Aberystwyth Introduces Parking Fees on Promenade Starting Monday

Ceredigion council introduced on-street parking charges on Aberystwyth promenade on Monday. 50 for two hours or £5 for four hours between 08:00 BST and 20:00. The council said the fees would manage high demand for seafront parking more fairly and attract more tourists. It stated the charges were not intended to generate revenue.

Proposals for the scheme were made in 2023.

Councillors approved the charges in January 2026 after years of internal discussion. The fees apply on Victoria Terrace, Marine Terrace, and New Promenade. Drivers can pay at machines or by mobile phone. Blue Badge holders park free with a valid badge displayed.

Davies said surveys in other towns showed parking fees did not reduce business or tourism. He said the goal was to increase parking availability for short-term visitors. "In parts of the prom, people have been allowed to park all day every day [for free].

Some people parked there for days on end," Davies said. Davies added that revenue would help fund council services and maintain existing car parks. He noted other free parking options exist in the town for up to three hours.

Business owners expressed concern about effects on customers and staff. Nia Roberts, who owns two businesses, said regular morning customers told her the fees could reduce visits. "The customers we get in the mornings are local regulars who come in - some every day - for their morning coffee," Roberts said.

She added that staff working late shifts might face safety issues walking to distant free spaces. Hotel owner Gareth Evans said the four-hour limit would not suit overnight guests. He said the change could affect bookings at his seafront property without its own car park.

Some residents and visitors said the fees were unfair to local businesses and workers. Others noted the town had been fortunate to have free parking until now.