Fury at beach parking fees 'whitewash'

BEACH users are angry about a consultation on car parking charges, saying it is a "whitewash" and fails to ask the right questions.

East Lothian Council has sent out questionnaires about the controversial scheme, which it could bring in next year.

But the questionnaires only ask about what facilities users would like to see, and do not ask if they are in favour of charging.

The SNP/Lib Dem administration estimates that parking charges at its 13 beach car parks would generate more than £330,000 each year. This would pay for a £1.5 million programme of improvements, including new toilets and showers.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: "There is no attempt being made to railroad this through."

But one Haddington resident, Andy Bennetts, said: "This whole exercise is whitewash and disguises the issue of car park charges as a survey about beach use.

"Introducing beach parking fees is nothing but a stealth tax."

East Lothian Tourism Forum representative, Bill Macnair, said: "Residents are not going to go down to the beach for a shower, so why should they be charged for these facilities?"