PLANS to introduce coastal car parking charges at several sites in the county by the end of the year have been called into question, after it was revealed that only a fraction of the budget set aside for the work had so far been spent.

East Lothian Council set aside a total of £730,000 to implement the charges at 10 county coastal car parks in its 2013/2014 budget, but it has been revealed that only £49,000 has been spent so far.

At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, independent councillor David Berry questioned whether the plans were still going ahead.

He said: “Are they still on course, given the massive underspend?” Council officials insist that the plans to introduce charges at 10 coastal car parks across the county are on track.

The Courier understands that the first car park to start charging will be in Gullane and it is expected to start operating a barrier system from October this year.

However, there is still no final decision on the fees which will be charged.

Nine of the 10 car parks affected will use barriers to control vehicles entering them, while an undisclosed car park will have pay and display ticket machines.

The controversial charges have been branded a “tourist tax” by SNP opposition councillors, who believe the system is unworkable and will discourage people from visiting the East Lothian coast and beaches.

However, the Labour-led council administration insists the revenue from the car park charges will allow them to maintain and improve the facilities on offer there.

A council spokesperson said plans for the charges were moving ahead, despite the lack of spending so far.

He said: “Plans to introduce coastal car parking charges are on track.”