Concerned businesses in Burnham-On-Sea have this week called on the district council to review ‘damaging’ seafront parking restrictions which limit visitors to a maximum stay of four hours.
Traders in the town say holidaymakers should be able to buy all-day parking tickets along The Esplanade – just as they do at other local car parks – and that this is damaging trade.
Among those calling for the change is Louise Parkin, manager of Burnham Pavilion, (pictured) who says the current restrictions are impacting the trade of businesses.
“Many day visitors arrive during the early afternoon, and currently have to leave at around 4pm due to the parking restrictions,” she told the latest meeting of Burnham Chamber of Trade.
“Those visitors would otherwise have stayed on later into the afternoon and evening. I know of several shops and businesses where the restriction is affecting turnover.”
Alex Turco, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com he is sympathatic about the concerns.
“At the moment there is a maximum stay of four hours in place along the seafront between 9am and 6pm from April 1st until 30 September,” he said. “Some of our members would like to see the maximum stay increased to at least six hours and we have therefore taken this up with Sedgemoor District Council, who have assured us that the matter will be considered at the next review of parking charges.”
“We understand that such a change may have revenue implications for the council, but at the same time we should be encouraging as many people to visit Burnham and spend as much time here as possible, particularly during times of economic downturn.”
Tom Dougall, Transport Policy Officer at the district council, confirmed that the matter will be examined in more detail during the next few weeks.
Pictured above is Pier Manager Louise Parkin besides one of the car park charging meters on Burnham’s Esplanade
