TOLLS for the Great Orme’s Marine Drive have been increased by up to 50 per cent causing protest in Llandudno.
One resident described the increase by Conwy County Borough council as exorbitant.
Gareth Pritchard said: “How can the council justify raising the season permit charge from £20 to £30 from the 1st of April? A 50 per cent increase is exorbitant. It's not an April Fool's joke, it is a bad joke.”
He added: “This won’t help tourism, which the town’s economy depends upon. It won’t help local people either, how many residents would want to drive round the Orme at least nine times to justify paying the charge?”
A spokesperson for the council said: “We review costs annually. The toll pays for maintenance works and upkeep of Marine Drive which is a beautiful five mile route with spectacular views, and we consider these prices are good value for money.”
The old and new fares are: bicycles are free; motorbikes have increased from £1.50 to £1.80; cars from £ to £3.50; minibuses from £5.50 to £6.50; coaches from £6.50 to £10.00 (by agreement only, weight limit is nine tonnes) and a season permit goes up from £20 to £30.
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