PEOPLE wanting to park at coastal car parks in East Lothian now need to pay 25% more to do so in new measures brought in by East Lothian Council.

The increase is the first since the charges were introduced in 2015.

But what are the changes and what do they mean for you? Here are all the details you need to know.

 

How much does it cost now to use a coastal park?

Coastal car parks used to cost £2 to park in them all day.

It will now cost £2.50.

The move was unanimously approved by East Lothian Council’s cabinet members earlier this year on May 25.

Blue badge holders are not required to pay parking charges.

People who pay for a day ticket at one coastal car park site and decide to visit another in the same day do not need to pay for a second ticket. One ticket covers a vehicle for the whole day at every site.

 

Can I still get a season ticket?

The short answer is yes. Annual parking season permits can still be purchased on the East Lothian Council website.

However they will now cost £50 instead of £40.

One permit can cover two motor vehicles registered at the household but only one can use it at any one time. One permit will be issued per application as only one vehicle can use it at a time. To add a second vehicle registration people need to contact the council parking team.

Both registrations should be printed on the permit. Handwritten registrations are not acceptable, people could be fined £60 for displaying an invalid permit.

 

What days are free to park?

There are only four days a year that are free to park, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and January 2.

What will happen if I do not display a valid ticket while parked in a coastal car park?

Parking enforcement is in place and people who fail to display a valid parking ticket could be fined £60. 

 

Why has the cost gone up?

All revenue obtained from the car parking charges is invested back into maintenance and improvements of facilities at each site. The rates also went up in line with inflation.

The increase was included in a report sent to East Lothian Council’s cabinet in May with recommendations that the increase be approved.