THE public purse must not subsidise previously free parking spaces for motorists, members of the county council’s Cabinet heard on Monday.

Cabinet members agreed to introduce parking charges at seven locations in the county, with two in the south having been removed.

The proposals include St Thomas Green, Haverfordwest; Rifleman’s Field, Haverfordwest; Station Road, Pembroke; Station Hill, Goodwick; High Street in St Dogmaels and Crymych’s Mart Ground, with charges from 40 pence per hour.

New Quay, Haverfordwest is to become a permit-only parking area.

Members heard the council’s actual ownership of land had been questioned at some sites, including St Thomas Green.

Pembroke Dock’s Hobbs Point and Pembroke’s St Michaels Square will not incur charges.

The pill is sweetened by the introduction of 30 minute free ‘pop and shop’ parking bays in some locations, as well as a one hour disabled parking ‘pop and shop’ bay, and residential permits.

In many areas, ‘flexi’ and reserved bay permits will also be available.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the council’s Cabinet, Councillor Simon Hancock said the need to generate revenue had to be set against the unpopular move to charge in previously free car parks.

He said concerns had been raised that the charges would increase ‘migration’ of shoppers out of town, asking for a later review of how businesses had been affected.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said there was a need for a “consistency of approach,” adding: “We are never going to be thanked for introducing car parking charges, we are very clear about that; we have the responsibility to balance the budget of the authority. There will be an impact but it is not the responsibility of the public purse to deliver private parking.”

He said there was a ‘reasonableness’ approach to residents’ permits.

“They are affordable in the sense of if you can afford to run a motor car you must be able to afford to park it.”

Members agreed to the introduction of charges and a 12 month update on changes.