Local authorities all over the UK are in a very difficult position, NPT has got to find money everywhere they can, the cuts to council budgets who by law have to provide services such as social services, education etc.
We have an aging population who require more care, the NHS are on their knees but still spending billions, councils budgets have been cut to the bone in recent years to pay for the NHS, defence etc.
You can pay to park all day in Scarlet Ave for £2 in winter and £4 in summer, try parking in Swansea or Cardiff all day and see how much it costs.
I usually walk down to the beach but if i do drive i am happy to pay, on another point why should NPT council tax payers subsidise residents from outside the borough to park for free when the bays have been paid for by NPT Council?