Iconic UK seaside town hikes fees for visitors ahead of Easter holidays
An iconic seaside resort has hiked fees for driving visitors.
Those heading to Blackpool in their cars will have to pay considerably more to park close to some of the town's popular destinations.
Rates are going up at two multi-storey car parks in Blackpool, as well as along the Promenade and in parts of South Shore. Town centre parking will cost £4.50, up from £3.50, with eight-hour stays increasing from £11 to £12. Increased charges on the Promenade, Watson Road, and Bond Street will see the price for two hours going up to £3 from £2.50.
The extra money will be used by Blackpool Council to "invest in improved parking", it has said. The price rises have targeted areas of high demand. A report published by the council stated "any wide-scale increases" may lead to "a downturn in patronage and could harm town centre trading and tourism recovery plans."
The seaside resort remains one of the most popular in the UK (Getty Images/iStockphoto)A spokesperson for Blackpool Council told The Sun: “While tariff increases have been applied in some areas of high demand, our pricing remains extremely competitive compared with other large destinations. The increased income will be used to offset some of the significant investment that is being made in the upgrade of parking infrastructure across the resort.
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“Blackpool prides itself on being an affordable destination offering great value to visitors with hospitality, attractions and accommodation to suit every pocket, and we continue to stage one of the UK’s biggest programmes of free events and entertainment throughout the year.”
Diane Mitchell, a Conservative opposition councillor in Blackpool, told the BBC: "This is a poor decision by the Labour-run council to increase charges yet again. Businesses in the Bond Street and Waterloo Road area are already struggling with difficulties around parking. This will only make the situation worse and drive business away from our brilliant local businesses, B&Bs and shops."
Although it is far from a hidden gem and more like one of the best loved seaside spots in the country, last year Blackpool came top in new rankings of the best UK spots that don't get enough credit.
There's plenty to see and do if you are heading to the North West seaside paradise. For a start, there's the bustling Central Pier with its attractions, shops and arcades, while Blackpool Tower remains a firm hit with visitors, mostly thanks to the incredible views of the city and sea you can enjoy from the top.
Thrill-seekers may also want to check out Blackpool Pleasure Beach which offers everything from terrifying roller coasters to gentle rides for smaller children. Access is completely free to all, including the piers and promenade,
Sunny days can be spent on the beach, while on rainy days there's plenty to do from the Blackpool Tower Circus to the arcades, cinemas and restaurants (including classic fish and chip shops) that make this a bustling hotspot.
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