CONCERNS over “astronomical” pay-and-display parking fees in Abersoch are to be discussed by Gwynedd Council.

The planning committee will meet on Monday to consider objections to new parking fees introduced in the town last year.

In a bid to regulate parking and “improve pedestrian safety”, the council started charging people to park on the border of the A499 highway, often used by people wishing to visit The Warren beach, located just a stone’s throw away.

The parking charge was levied against anyone parking on the grass verge between 1 March and 31 October and imposed a ban on caravans or motorhomes between 10pm and 8pm.

Rates started at £1 for an hour’s parking, up to £7.50 for 24 hours.

It applies to the A499 verge just north of Fach Farm Caravan Park.

One objector, whose name was redacted from the county council’s documents, was upset by the changes, however.

A letter from the objector, who has a holiday home in the area, read: “First of all may I thank you for the opportunity to complain on behalf of many hundreds, maybe thousands, of holidaymakers bringing tourism to the town of Abersoch.

“My family and I have enjoyed the area for more than 40 years and hope to continue for many years to come.

“The new parking charges at Fach Farm are astronomical for the young family of today.

“What a shame for the businesses in Abersoch who are trying to make a living in such a short holiday season.”

The council noted that it had undertaken the work “in response to the wishes of the local community” and had contacted local councillors before introducing the charges.

The objector also raised concerns about pedestrian safety.

In a report considering the objections, the council said: “In accordance with the council’s parking strategy’s criteria, it is intended to charge for the use of the car park as it is in a location which is heavily used by tourists.

“No charge will be made outside the holiday season (November to February).

“The income created from car parks contributes to the cost of maintaining the county’s highways network and maintaining the 106 car parks provided by the council.”

Regarding pedestrian safety, the council said: “Increasing the safety of motorists and pedestrians was one of the main reasons for creating this new resource. Planning permission has been secured and as part of the design the 30mph zone has been extended in order to reduce speeds before reaching this location.”

The council’s report concludes with a recommendation to approve the introduction of an off-street parking order at Y Fach in Abersoch.