THE cost of parking your car in several Gwynedd towns is set to change next month, including some increases that have been dubbed ‘disappointing’.

The cost to park vehicles in Gwynedd Council-owned car parks is set to double in some instances, when it comes into effect on 13 April.

In Penmount car park in Pwllheli, which is classed as a ‘band one’ long stay car park, the cost of parking for up to four hours will double from £1 to £2.

Cllr Dylan Bullard, who represents Pwllheli, is “disappointed” with the decision to increase the cost of the car park and believes that it will impact people who come to work in the town.

He said: “I’m disappointed at this, it’s at a time where local businesses need all the help they can get.

“It’s another burden for people to bear, hopefully it won’t stop people from coming into the town to shop.

“I’m disappointed with the council about this.”

Cllr Bullard added: “This car park isn’t in the town centre, but it is used by a lot of people who come into the town from the east and by people who work in the town.

“The additional cost of this will add up throughout the year.”

Prices at Lombard Street car park in Porthmadog, which is a ‘band one’ short stay car park, will also increase. A stay of up to four hours currently costs £1.10 but after April 13 will cost £2.20.

A rise in parking costs was outlined by Gwynedd Council in February. A decision was taken to impose a price increase in some long-stay car parks after it was felt there were too many length of stay options.

In those facilities, the current minimum £3 for four hours in the summer or £4.50 for eight hours in ‘band two’ long stay car parks during winter will go to a £5 for 12 hours minimum charge, or £3 for 12 hours in the winter months.

In seasonal ‘band three’ car parks, the £1 for four hours or £2 for eight hours charge will also rise to a minimum of £3 for up to six hours of parking.

In both of these ‘bands’, several options of length of stay will be removed.

The cost of an annual parking permit for Gwynedd residents will also rise from £125 a year to £140.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Following a thorough review of parking arrangements across the county, we are introducing what we believe is a new and simplified fee structure that will offer consistency across Gwynedd.

“During the review, it became apparent that the income generated in some of the council’s car parks is in fact not enough to cover the costs associated with collecting and banking the money, and to maintain the car-parks and pay machines. As a result, we believe it is timely and justified to introduce the changes which will see some increases whilst there will be no change in other car-parks.

“In terms of Pwllheli, it should be noted that no change will be made to the fees at the car-parks at Y Maes, Cei’r Gogledd, Traeth y De, Penlan, or Ffordd Caerdydd in Pwllheli and we feel that the changes at Penmount are fair and timely when considered that there have been no changes since April 2015.”

BAND 1 SHORT STAY

Lombard Street Car Park, Porthmadog

BAND 1 LONG STAY

Penmount, Pwllheli

BAND 2 LONG STAY

Plasey Street Car Park, Bala

The Grin Car Park, Bala

Marian Cefn Car Park, Dolgellau

Lake Side Car Park, Llanberis

Penhelyg Car Park, Aberdyfi

Main Car Park, Aberdyfi

Black Patch Car Park, Barmouth

Main Car Park, Barmouth

Pen y Gogledd Car Park, Barmouth

Promenade Car Park, Barmouth

Station Car Park, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Diffwys Car Park, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Bronygraig Uchaf Car Park, Harlech

Min y Don Car Park, Harlech

Beach Car Park, Llandanwg

Morannedd Car Park, Criccieth

Rhodfa’r Môr Car Park, Criccieth

Y Maes Car Park, Criccieth

BAND 3 SEASONAL

Y Fach, Abersoch

Colwyn Bank Car Park, Beddgelert

Borth y Gest, Car Park

Abereistedd Car Park, Criccieth

Beach Road Car Park, Fairbourne

Embankment Car Park, Fairbourne

Rhodfa’r Mor, Tywyn