00:00Controversial car parking charges in Barrie and Panarth are already having an impact on
00:06local businesses.
00:07That's the claim from councillors who are now calling for the policy to be scrapped.
00:12The charges were introduced earlier this year at a popular off-street location, including
00:16the Knapp and Bronham Moor car parks in Barrie and at Panarth Cliffs Walk.
00:20The council also plans to end two hours free parking at on-street sites in Barrie Island
00:25and Panarth, although that change hasn't come into force yet.
00:30Local businesses warned from the outset that these moves would drive customers away.
00:34Applied Cymru councillors for Barrie say those fears are now being realised, with traders
00:38reporting a noticeable drop in footfall.
00:41Councillor Nick Hedges described livelihoods as being at risk and accused the Labour-run
00:45bail of Glamorgan Council of ignoring warnings raised during consultation.
00:51The council however insists the charges are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion
00:56and stop drivers overstaying on limited on-street spaces.
00:59It says all income raised will be reinvested into local resorts and road maintenance, and
01:04points to recent resurfacing work and the creation of extra-disabled bays are evidence of the commitment.
01:10But concerns don't stop at the seaside.
01:13In Barrie Town Centre, plans to close the Court Road multi-storey car park have sparked fears
01:18of even greater parking pressure, with one councillor warning it could become a huge headache for shoppers.
01:25Bail of Glamorgan Council says it will review the on-street parking charges after 24 months.
01:30But for now, the row continues, with businesses, residents and politicians still steeply divided
01:36over whether these changes will revitalise or restrict the town centres they serve.
01:40J.P. Watkins reporting for Local TV.
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