'Absolute robbery' claim over radical measures for very popular beach

CAR PARK PRICES DOUBLING IN BID TO AVOID GRIDLOCK

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

RADICAL steps are being taken to ease gridlock at one of Wales' most in-demand beaches.

Day prices are to more than double and, over the next Bank Holiday weekend, a 300-space beach car park will be locked down once it's full.

The measures are to be put in place by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to curb the traffic congestion that regularly blights Newborough, Anglesey. Vehicles wanting to park by the beach at Traeth Llanddwyn must first pass through the village, which often grinds to a standstill as visitors wait for parking spaces to become available.

From Friday, prices will rise at the main beach car park and two others within the adjacent Newborough Forest - Airman's and Cwningar

Parking for up to two hours will be £5 and 70p for each additional 20 minutes, with a maximum daily charge of £15. Currently it's £2 for the first two hours, 40p for each additional 20 minutes, with a maximum charge of £7 per day.

Some people have labelled the increases "extortionate" and "absolute robbery". It's feared that people across the Menai Strait will be priced out of visiting the area, a National Nature Reserve.

NRW also plans to trial a lockdown plan at the three car parks. Once they are full, access barriers will come down and no more vehicles will be allowed in until 4.30pm that day - even when spaces become available.

Arriving visitors will be alerted to closures via a matrix sign on the A4080 at Pen Lon roundabout a half-mile south of the village.

The trial will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.