Some of Norfolk's most-visited coastal beauty spots and market towns are set for a hike in car park prices if new charges are approved.

North Norfolk District Council is considering changing how much people have to pay to stay at 30 of its car parks.

This includes places like Wells-next-the-Sea, Cromer, Sheringham, Weybourne and Mundesley.

Beach huts on Mundesley beachBeach huts on Mundesley beach (Image: Newsquest)

The move is being considered in a bid to raise £600,000 a year to help the cash-strapped council plug a £1.8m deficit.

It is one of several ways NNDC is considering making a number of cost-saving measures in an effort to plug its growing deficit.

It is predicted it could reach £3.3m by 2027 if action is not taken.

A man buys a ticket at a car park in CromerA man buys a ticket at a car park in Cromer (Image: Newsquest)

Other measures proposed include shutting some of its public toilets, either permanently or just over the quieter winter months.  

NNDC is considering a number of different options for its car parks.

Its 30 sites provide one of the largest sources of external income for the council.

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The increases proposed include raising the price to stay by between 10p and 30p per hour with corresponding increases to 24-hour and 7-day charges.

Higher seasonal charges could also be introduced at coastal car parks between March to October in an effort to capitalise on the increased visitors during the busier spring and summer months.

A flat-rate evening charge across all car parks, higher season ticket prices and making coaches pay more to park are also being considered.

This could mean people could have to pay £2.60 for a three-hour stay, compared to just £2 currently.

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Meadow Road car park in CromerMeadow Road car park in Cromer (Image: Newsquest)

The higher rates would come into force on April 1, 2025, if introduced.

Over the last three years, NNDC raised more than £3m each year from its car parks. However, it says the cost of running them has been between £1.2m - £1.5m each year.

This takes a significant chunk out of the revenue raised by the authority.