MOTORISTS are facing hikes in the cost of parking at car parks across the county and Gower — as well as new charges in sites that have previously been free.
Hourly and all-day charges are set to rise at short-stay, long-stay and multi-story car parks, and the cost of using Park and Ride services in to Swansea city centre will also be going up.
And for the first time charges are going to be introduced in Lime Street car park in Gorseinon, and Sway Road and Treharne Road in Morriston.
Swansea Council said the authority had frozen car parking charges for the past two years, but had now had to take some "very difficult decisions".
Hourly charges are set to rise by 10p or 20p at almost all sites but some motorists face bigger hikes — all day parking at the city centre Clarence Road site is to jump from �6 to �7, while all day parking in sites that are currently free will in future cost �4.50.
However, there is a bright spot on the horizon — winter charges for short term parking at Gower car parks will be cut.
Wyn James, chairman of Morriston Chamber of Trade, said the imposition of charges was a blow to local businesses.
He said: "The limited parking available in the town is already a problem — introducing charges is another obstacle for traders.
"We are trying to encourage people to come to Morriston to shop, and we will have to see what effect these charges have on local businesses."
The increases are due to come in to force on Saturday, April 23.
The cost of using the council-run Park and Ride services from Landore, Fforestfach and Fabian Way into the city will increase, from �2.20 to �2.50.
A spokeswoman for Swansea Council said: "Since the last increase in May 2009 inflation — as measured by the Retail Price Index — has been 7.5 per cent, and VAT has increased by 2.5 per cent.
"All councils have to make very difficult decisions in these unprecedented times, and charges do need to reflect the effects of inflation."
She added: "Park and Ride and long-stay season tickets are a cheaper way for people to park for the city centre."
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