'Anomalies' to blame for beach parking charge rise

A council has said it was "striving to be fairer" following criticism of its decision to significantly increase annual parking charges for residents.

People living around Heacham beach in West Norfolk have been told a residents' permit - valid on the North and South Beach car parks - will now cost £121.60 for 12 months, up from £58.10 for eight months.

Some have urged West Norfolk Council to reconsider, saying they are concerned about affordability and the possible impact of drivers parking illegally to avoid charges.

West Norfolk Council said a review found "anomalies" in the pricing of its car parks and was bringing all of it charges "into line".

Nicky Bailey, who lives in Heacham, has started a petition asking the authority to reconsider.

"Many of the locals can't afford the new prices," she wrote.

"This will mean that many of the elderly and disabled people of Heacham who can't walk far will no longer be able to use the beach at all, as it's a long walk for the majority of the village.

"The beach is crucial to some for mental health reasons."

Christina Brown told the BBC she did see the beach as her "happy place" and started a social media page during the pandemic featuring photos of sunset there.

She was concerned that the overall rise in charges for the beach car park would lead people to park illegally, limiting access to the beach in an emergency.

In a statement, West Norfolk Council said it had undertaken a "thorough review of car park charges, including permits" as part of this year's budget.

"Anomalies were found within the rationale for the prices charged across a number of permits, especially in some areas where no increases (or very minimal ones) have been previously applied".

A spokesperson added that although they appreciated people might be "dissatisfied with this decision", they authority was "striving to be fairer in our charging strategy which up until this point we have not been".

On its website, the council offers seasonal car park tickets for residents, non-residents, senior citizens and beach hut residents at varying rates.

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