East Lothian Council has today (Tuesday 8th April) agreed to embark on a full public consultation exercise on the proposed introduction of coastal car park charging across the county.

Cllr. Stuart Currie, Cabinet Member for Community Services, explained: “Following the current administration's decision to postpone the introduction of such charges in 2007 to allow for public consultation, a Project Group was established under the Chairmanship of Cllr. Paul McLennan, Cabinet Member for the Environment. The Project Group has considered the benefits that car park users would experience through paying a parking charge and has drawn up an extensive £1.5m programme of refurbishment and new build improvements which could be financed through the charges.”

Cllr McLennan added: “It is important that any proposals for coastal car parking charges are detailed fully and made available for public consultation. The Project Group has produced a fully costed proposal which also considers the wider impact of such a charge on the Council's Tourism, Environmental and Transport strategies. The monies raised through the proposed charges would be ploughed back into major works at each site including improved parking surfaces, refurbished or extended toilets, new signage and interpretation boards and bike stands.”

It is estimated that the introduction of parking charges at 13 coastal sites would generate an annual income in excess of £330,000. Detailed plans, including illustrations of design proposals for new build facilities and refurbishment works, will be exhibited at appropriate libraries and other community facilities throughout the county. Community Councils, management advisory groups, appropriate landowners, Visit Scotland and other appropriate public bodies will also be given the opportunity to provide comment.

The proposed car parking charges and resulting capital spend of £1.5m is one component of a new Coastal Tourism strategy for East Lothian. It is estimated that more than 2.5 million visits are made annually to the East Lothian coats and that number is steadily increasing.

Cllr McLennan said: “The Council has a responsibility to ensure that we successfully balance the needs of tourism and recreation whilst preserving and protecting the natural heritage through careful management. We will be seeking to appoint a consultant to assist with the development of a coastal tourism strategy that will encourage responsible visitor behaviour. The most sensitive and fragile sections of the coast will remain protected from intrusive activities and large numbers of visitors.”