Parking lockdowns to continue after trial at popular N.Wales beach

BUT FEARS EMERGE IT WILL SHIFT THE PROBLEM ELSEWHERE

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

A PARKING lockdown trial at a popular Anglesey beach is to be extended through the summer. The measure was first implemented over the Bank Holiday weekend in an attempt to ease congestion in Newborough.

To prevent long traffic queues forming for Traeth Llanddwyn, which often back up into the village, site manager Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has begun closing the large beach car park when full. All beach-bound traffic is then diverted until the car park is reopened later in the day.

Poor weather last weekend meant traffic flows were lower than expected and the beach car park was closed just once. As well as leaving some visitors bewildered, Newborough residents said there were already signs the measure was creating "unintended consequences".

With beach parking prices now doubled, up to £15 for a day visit, local people claimed the combined impact was to shift parking away from the beach and onto local roads and residential streets. Despite reduced visitor numbers, Newborough housing estates like Tyn y Cae and Rhoddfa Merrick were reported to be as busy as ever.