EAST Lothian Council is expected to approve new traffic regulations allowing it to charge visitors to coastal car parks in the county next week.

A report to the full council recommends approving the new order, which will allow the council to introduce the charges at 10 car parks along the east coast of the county.

It reveals access to all but one of the sites will be controlled by a payment barrier, and insists this means the loss of traffic wardens will have “no significant effect” on enforcement.

The report by the council’s head of infrastructure, Ray Montgomery, said matters raised by objectors had been addressed, except for three it listed, where the people involved had been “unwilling to accept the council’s view”.

He added: “In considering the remaining objections, the view was taken that the individuals concerned are opposed to the principle of charging generally and are not prepared to reconsider their position.” Councillor Stuart Currie, leader of the opposition SNP Group, said the charges were nothing more than a “tourist tax”.

He said: “The SNP have and will oppose these charges, which will impose additional costs on visitors and residents in East Lothian and are unfair.” The council will vote on the recommendations on Tuesday.