Eryri parking fee hike looms to raise £500k for the national park

ERYRI National Park could raise £500,000 a year by raising parking fees.

- By DALE SPRIDGEON Local Democracy Reporter

The park authority is considering the move as it faces "a challenging financial context" with a budget deficit of £635,850 this year which is set to "significantly increase".

A report called "Addressing the Financial Challenge" presented at a meeting last Wednesday (December 10) said raising fees on car parking had "by far the biggest potential" to boost income, and increasing charges should be "a top priority".

Efforts to reduce the deficit in the baseline budget had included increasing income, reducing non-staff costs and the number of staff. However the report stated "reducing the number of staff is regarded as a last resort.

"The Authority's main strength is of course its staff, and we are fortunate to have a pool of very talented and committed staff..

"Therefore, whilst the perilous nature of the financial situation and its implications are fully understood, we will do our utmost to avoid compulsory redundancies"

Among strategies to reduce the "financial challenges," was a review of parking charges and increasing retail income at visitor centres.