UPDATE: Following publication of this article, the Findhorn Village Conservation Company has revised its fees for 2024. It will now pilot a charge of £1 per car per day, and provide an annual pass for £30.
Parking charges and barriers at a local beauty spot will cause ‘chaos’ in the village according to a local businessman and others who have blasted the move.
Locals have been reacting to news that The Findhorn Village Conservation Company is installing barriers to collect money it say it needs to offset the costs and responsibilities at Findhorn Beach West car park, where it has also upgraded the two toilet blocks, resurfaced roads and built a motorhome stopover.
From March, cars will be charged £2 per day to park using a contactless system, however Findhorn locals will be able to access the car park free of charge.
The car park and facilities have recently been expanded by The Findhorn Village Conservation Company (TFVCC), and they say this move is necessary to recoup some of the costs and responsibilities of upkeep. The beach was named as Scotland’s most beautiful last year by a travel journalist, and it’s a popular spot for locals to relax and walk.
Parking chaos
But local businessman Simon Paterson says it will lead to parking chaos as drivers seek free alternatives.
Simon runs several businesses near to the beach car park, including the Crown and Anchor, Captain’s Table and Findhorn Boat Yard.
He said: “The conservation company have done loads to improve the village, a few years back we had no public toilets for example.
“People love Findhorn and want to come here unfortunately this will lead to parking chaos.
“I understand the need to raise money to keep the facilities in good order however with parking soon to be charged at the popular spot, cars will seek free alternatives.
“There is also a plan to post off the verges to stop people parking for free outside the car park.
“The displaced parking already is an issue. Our business car parks we need for our customers already fill up with people just parking. What do we do? Restrict our carparks with barriers and charges? Or enlarge them to allow free parking?
Disappointed
“Both options have negative impacts. We are very disappointed that there was no consultation with local residents or businesses prior to works commencing.”
His comments were echoed on the Forres Loves Local Facebook group after we posted a picture of the construction work to install barriers
“As if there wasn’t enough chaos in the village already. This stupidity is on a par with the ban of walking in the dunes during covid!!!!” said one.
“People will just go to Hopeman or park in the village! Absolute greed!” someone else said.
On the conservation company’s own Facebook page, there was more uproar.
“I can’t help but think that this will cause huge problems. It isn’t the £2, it is the knock-on impact on the rest of the village. Everyone has the same reaction, in that they will save £2 if they can. Unless every other car park in the village is controlled they will be overrun with illegal parking.”
However, it was countered with some support:
“This is a shining example of forward thinking locals. Visitors need parking, public toilets and adding accessibility is a real bonus. No councils have funding to upgrade facilities ( have you seen the roads and free to use public toilets) so it’s up to local community to find the income stream to provide these services. Well done , more of the same please.”
Another added: “£2 for a full days parking isn’t bad at all especially when you look at all the work that’s been done this last while.”
And one car park user suggested a smaller fee for shorter visits: “Is it possible to make up to 1hour a cheaper rate for those that just go for a little walk or swim?”
Motorhome stopover success
A spokesperson for the Findhorn Village Conservation Company said: “This new addition builds on the success of the award-winning Findhorn West Beach Motorhome Stopover, which opened in May 2021, and the ‘by donation’ payment system which has been in place in the West car park in recent years.”
The Findhorn Village Conservation Company is a community-led and controlled organisation responsible for the preservation, conservation, and sustainable development of the community-owned land and assets in and around Findhorn village.
Over the last year, it has undertaken:
- a full refurbishment of two toilet blocks at the Beach West car park
- resurfacing of the Dunes Track and both car parks
- a full rebuild of all the beach steps including new accessibility ramps
All with a view to increasing and improving access to the beach and dunes for “all those who love and enjoy them”.
TFVCC added: “These community-owned and volunteer-managed assets require ongoing upkeep and maintenance, and it is with these costs and responsibilities in mind that after much consideration the TFVCC has come to the decision to implement a small charge of £2 per day for car parking at the Beach West car park.”
The Beach East (Back Shore) car park, accessed via the Dunes Track on entry to the village, will remain free of charge for parking.
There are disabled parking spaces available prior to the barrier at the Beach West car park.
The charges will start from Monday 25 March.
What do you think about the charges? Leave a comment below.
I do not object to a charge for parking, it is only fair that users help pay for the upkeep. We have always put something in the contribution box, however a number of times last year we found there were no spaces available and had to leave. How are the barriers going to work, what happens if you pay to get in and then find there is no spaces, can you get your money back or do you end up paying £2 for nothing ?
I was born in Forres and have been going to Findhorn for many years. I come on holiday every year and last year I was amazed at the change down the back shore. Not for the better in my opinion. It used to be a calm, safe haven to go and walk in the dunes. Now you can’t do that without a car being up your backside. The motor home park is an eyesore. I couldn’t even get into the loo to use it. I had to go to the Captain’s Table. Not everyone has access to contactless payment facilities!!!!! I can’t walk too far now although I have not put in for a Blue Badge. I don’t intend to spoil my outings once a year to Findhorn. As we travel 600 miles to get there!! I will be parking as near to the back shore as well can get. But won’t be paying.
Jean Folks
Total rip off, never had to pay to visit a beach yet here we are.