“BUDGETARY pressures” led Denbighshire County Council to increase the costs of using its car parks, the local authority has said.

From Monday, March 4, the charges for on-street and pay and display car parks operated by Denbighshire County Council have increased by up to £1.50.

A full list of the new charges at each of the council’s car parks in Denbighshire can be found here.

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Residents have criticised the move, though, with some describing it as an “insult on the highest level” and an “absolute farce”.

Michael Bennett said: “It's an insult on the highest level, as all the roads leading up to the car parks are pot-holed from both ways.”

Flaunt It Vintage added: “Expecting people to pay for parking after 5pm is an absolute farce. It should at least be free after 3pm every day to get people into town.

“I wonder how many won't bother going to the theatre once they realise they have to pay for parking on top of everything else.

“Besides, they will just park in the already-crowded surrounding streets.”

Sean Pritchard said: “I believe if you live in Denbighshire and pay council tax, you should be able to park for free in any car park within the county.”

Kay Redhead, meanwhile, noticed that the council had not updated signage in some car parks.

She added: “Some of my colleagues got caught out in Denbigh this week whilst on training in the Eirianfa Community Centre - the machine is different pricing to the signage.”

Others shared their fears for the impact that increased parking charges could have on business and tourism.

Derek Hollins said: “They need to bring people into Rhyl, not drive people away. There are plenty of shopping complexes around the area with free parking.

“They are doing a disservice to the shopkeepers in the area by putting up charges, or even charging at all.”

Bernadette Horton added: “If the Rhyl Pavilion car park has to be paid for after 5pm, this is going to affect theatre-goers.

“The industry is already on its knees, so added parking charges to see a show definitely won't help.”

In response, Denbighshire County Council said apologised for confusion caused by not updating signage in a more timely fashion.

This, the local authority said, has now been rectified.

A council spokesperson said: “The council last increased its car park tariffs in 2016, meaning fees have stayed the same for eight years.

“In that time, the cost of goods and services has increased significantly due to rising inflation.

“Rising costs due to inflation and the current budgetary pressures the council is facing led to the council to make the decision to increase its car parking tariffs.

“Car parking tariffs from across many other North Wales local authorities were considered when setting these new fees.

“It is not unusual for councils to charge for evening use of their car parks, and this is an approach implemented by many other local authorities.

“The council apologises for the confusion around the signage during the transitionary period from the old tariffs to the new ones.

“We have worked closely with a contractor to get the signage changed as quickly as possible, and we are happy to report this work has now been completed.”