A hike in charges for Pembrokeshire County Council run car parks has been criticised by councillors in Tenby who believe that it will cause people to think twice about visiting town centres to shop locally.

A variation of parking charges across the county came into force this week from Wednesday (September 9) with increases notable in the majority of the PCC controlled facilities.

For example a 4 hour stay at Tenby’s multi storey during the summer has doubled in price, going up from £2 to £4; with a similar increase for the North Beach car park which has gone up from £1.50 to £3 for a 5 hour stay.

A quick pop into Tenby town and a 2 hour stay at the multi storey on Upper Park Road will now set you back a pound rather than 60p.

Areas in the locality such as Narberth have also seen a rise with a 2 hour stay at the Townsmoor car park now costing motorists £1 rather than 60p.

A visit to Pembroke and parking at The Commons facility will now cost you £4 for a 5 hour stay when it was previously as cheap as £1 for the same duration.

Weekly passes are also on the increase with it now costing £5 extra to leave your vehicle at Tenby’s multi storey or North Beach facilities over the summer.

After receiving correspondence from PCC’s head of infrastructure Darren Thomas on the varying changes, members of Tenby town council who discussed the matter at a remote meeting on Tuesday night stated: “The proposed increase in charges disproportionately affects those attending for a short term period. This will affect local people coming to council car parks whilst shopping locally.

“We propose that the balance of charges be re-adjusted so that short term visits – 4 hours and less – are maintained at last year’s charges. This will support visits to our town centres for local people using local shops.

“To balance those standstill charges, we would agree to an increase in the 24 hour and weekly parking charges.”

Members of the town council proposed to write to all members of the PCC Cabinet, all Tenby County Councillors and relevant local authority officers to express their views and to explain that they feel the burden of increased fees should not be paid by those making short term visits of 4 hours or less.