New charges to apply from August 2021
Elected members at today’s (Tuesday 25 May) Cabinet meeting approved a report recommending an increase to parking charges at coastal sites across East Lothian.
The changes, which will apply from 16 August 2021 are: a daily parking charge of £2.50 (currently £2) and an annual season ticket for £50 (currently £40).
Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire said: “The revenue obtained from the car parking charges has been invested back into maintenance and improvements of facilities at the coastal sites. Around £500,000 has already been spent on extensive upgrading of toilet and changing facilities at Longniddry Bents parks 1-3 which includes fully accessible toilets and baby changing areas. Similar plans are well advanced for upgrading at Gullane and we are reviewing future requirements which take into account the increased popularity of a range of water sports and activities.”
“The increases are the first to apply since the introduction of charging in 2015 and are in line with inflation. In addition to spending on physical infrastructure across the sites East Lothian Council is also providing additional staffing to monitor and manage the popularity of our coastline and beaches which helps to ensure public safety and maximum enjoyment of the sites.”
“The Council is mindful of balancing the needs of people visiting the coastal sites with the requirement to maintain and enhance the visitor experience appropriate to the semi-rural locations. As part of the report the costing structure was benchmarked across other local authorities and public land managers such as Forestry and Land Scotland and was found to be one of the lowest and most flexible. The day ticket when purchased can be used at all sites across the county so you can travel to other locations without having to pay twice. The season ticket offers particular value to regular visitors working out at less than £1 a week.”