Councillors will vote on introducing parking charges at a County Durham beach next week. 

Visitors to Crimdon Beach Car Park could pay £1 per hour or £3 all day as part of new measures proposed by Durham County Council. 

The local authority said the proposed charges in Crimdon would encourage a turnover of vehicles and improve access to local amenities, whilst aiding the authority’s policies on sustainable travel. 

The proposal will be decided at a Highways Committee meeting on Tuesday. 

However, hundreds of residents and visitors have opposed the proposal. More than 730 people shared their concerns with the plans, with just 33 people in favour. 

Easington MP Grahame Morris and Labour county councillor Rob Crute also oppose the charges. 

The council said Crimdon Beach Car Park is recognised as having a high demand for parking, with many visitors often parking inappropriately. 

Earlier this year, parking charges at several seaside locations in Seaham were introduced. 

Responding to people saying they will visit the area less, the council said it is the only local authority on the North East coast to offer free parking. 

A statement added: “There have been several instances during summer months where this coastal car park has been operating over capacity. This has led to congestion during these periods and the purpose of the introduction of paid parking is to manage demand during these occasions.  

“We anticipate the introduction of a charge to manage occupancy will increase turnover and increase the expectation of a space being available for visitors.”

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And despite the hundreds of objections, the council said the parking charges are needed. 

A statement concluded: “Having considered the objections to the proposals, Officers remain of the view that it is necessary to introduce the proposals in order to manage parking capacity and encourage the use of sustainable travel alternatives.

“Accordingly, it is recommended that members agree in principle to endorse the proposal to proceed with the implementation of the Crimdon (Off-Street Parking Place) Traffic Regulation Order 2024, with the final decision to be made by the Corporate Director under delegated powers.”