Price rise catches Penarth barrage car park users unawares (From Penarth Times)

Price rise catches Penarth barrage car park users unawares

8:30am Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News By Chris Seal

PARKING in the car park at the Penarth side of the Cardiff Bay Barrage has recently doubled in price - catching some drivers unaware.

The Pay and Display price, which is controlled by Cardiff Council, recently went up from 50p for up to an hour to £1 for the same period.

"The price has doubled and I think it's outrageous," said one regular visitor.

"I know a few people who regularly park there to walk their dogs on the barrage who have returned to find tickets, as there was no warning and they just didn't realise."

Another driver added: "It could be a lot cheaper than it is."

Nicky Evans, who parked at the barrage on Monday before taking her three young children to Cardiff Bay, said: "It's not too bad compared to other places - but it would have been better if it was still 50p an hour."

The new costs for the car park are £1 for up to one hour, £1.50 for up to two hours, £2 for up to three hours and 50p for every additional hour after that, up to a maximum of eight hours.

Drivers face a fine of £50, reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days, if they fail to display a parking ticket, exceed their parking period or leave their vehicle in an unmarked bay.

One civil enforcement officer, who was checking whether everyone had paid and displayed on Monday this week, was initially unaware of the price change - but added: "It's always busy in the summer. When the weather is nice everyone wants to come down the Bay."

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "After a review of the Harbour Authority's parking provision, it was concluded that the existing cost did not cover the operation of the scheme, particularly in light of the investment in new ticketing machinery at the site.

"The rise to £1 for the first hour is the first change in pricing for over five years and still represents excellent value for money for a very busy and popular beauty spot.

"The Barrage car park remains the cheapest off-street parking in the Bay and this increase in the charges is unlikely to prove prohibitive for the many visitors to the barrage."