Cameras in and honesty box out at beach car park
PARKING charges have been introduced on a popular beach on the Northumberland Coast. In August last year, locals voiced their displeasure at proposals to charge for parking at Longhoughton Beach, also known as Howdiemont Sands and Sugar Sands.
Howick Estates, which owns the car park that backs on to the dunes, cited people trying to camp there as destroying the habitat, as part of the reason for introducing the charge.
Previously, visitors had been asked to put £1 in an honesty box on Lowsteads Farm. However, an ANPR camera has been installed, and as of Tuesday, January 9, motorists have been required to pay through the RingGo app or over the telephone.
Daily parking fees are £3.30 for a car or van, while annual passes are £25 for anyone who wishes to use the car park. Blue badge holders are not exempt from charges but are able to apply in advance of parking for a discounted rate – despite blue badges usually allowing people to park free of charge.
The beach has become increasingly popular since Coronavirus lockdowns when people’s travel was limited and many started to discover more of what was on their own doorstep.
Howdiemont Sands gained national attention in 2022 when it was named one of the best beaches in the UK by The Times.
A statement on the Longhoughton Beach website read: “As the area has become more popular it has become more challenging to manage. To pay for this there is a charge for parking in the car park.
“We need to look after the parking area and protect the headlands and beach while making the road down to the beach a safe place for all users.
As the area has become more popular it has become more challenging to manage
Statement on the Longhoughton Beach website
To achieve this the Parish Council, AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) team, the Farmers and Landowners have all met to look at what can be done.
“The land is owned by Howick Trustees Ltd, a registered charity, who own and run Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. The land is grazed by Lowsteads farm, which helps maintain the biodiversity.
“By charging for parking we can pay for staff to open and close the carpark, making sure the site is clear each day, as well as maintaining the infrastructure.
“Any surplus income will be used for local charitable endeavours (in line with Howick Trustees Charitable objectives of Heritage, Environment and Education) and details of these will be published annually.”