A Saundersfoot county councillor who proved to be the only local member to oppose an increase in parking charges touted by the National Park - has said that Pembrokeshire’s success is dependent on maintaining a ‘fair balance’ between supporting the financial needs of Authorities, whilst also ensuring that the county remains ‘affordable and accessible’ for all.

A call to raise parking charges at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority paid-for car parks - which included longer stays rising by a third - was given the go-ahead recently.

Saundersfoot’s south ward county councillor Chris Williams who sits on PCNPA’s development management committee, attended the meeting in October, where a number of agenda items were discussed relating to the management and sustainability of the National Park, along with the key topic of proposals to increase parking charges across the Authority’s 14 paid car parks.

“I fully recognise and support the importance of reinvesting in the infrastructure that supports both visitors and residents, and I have supported similar investment proposals in the past. However, I was unable to support the specific recommendation to increase car parking charges by approximately 33% for stays exceeding one hour,” explained Cllr Williams.

“Under this proposal, the cost of an all-day ticket would rise from £6 to £8 from April 2026. While this may appear to be a modest increase to some, it is important to recognise the wider context.

“Many families are currently experiencing financial pressures, and any additional costs can influence decisions about visiting our coastal and rural areas.”

Cllr Williams said that, according to statistics presented by ‘Visit Pembrokeshire’ - visitor data indicates that tourism habits have changed, with visitor numbers showing a decline in 2024 compared to previous years.

He continued: “Communities such as Saundersfoot, along with other coastal villages and towns within the National Park, are heavily reliant on tourism for local employment and business sustainability. It is therefore crucial that we remain mindful of affordability and accessibility for all visitors.

“Pembrokeshire’s unique natural beauty, beaches, and vibrant communities should be open and accessible to everyone, whether for a day trip, a family holiday, or simply a walk along the coast.

“Increasing parking costs may create unintended consequences, particularly if visitors choose to park outside designated car parks to avoid charges.

“This, in turn, could lead to increased parking pressures on residential streets, housing estates, and smaller roads, causing frustration and safety concerns for local residents.

“I raised this point during the meeting, stressing the importance of balancing financial sustainability with the need to protect local communities from the knock-on effects of displaced parking.

“Unfortunately, I was the only member to vote against the proposed increase, but I fully respect the outcome of the democratic process.

“My hope is that these changes, if implemented, will be monitored closely to assess their impact on visitor behaviour and local communities.

“Pembrokeshire’s success depends on maintaining a fair balance between supporting the National Park’s financial needs and ensuring that our county remains welcoming, affordable, and accessible to all who wish to enjoy it,” added Cllr Williams.