Councillors have agreed to introduce an overnight car parking charge at a Broads beauty spot.

Previously it was free to park overnight at the Beccles Quay car park, on Fen Lane, which sits on the banks of the River Waveney.

But at a meeting Beccles Town Councillors and the Beccles Fenland Charity Trust agreed to introduce a £1 overnight charge for motorists using it.

It is hoped that by introducing the new charge, they can raise money to pay for the cost of preparing and resurfacing it.

A vote was made in favour of introducing the new car park charge.

East Anglian Daily Times: Beccles Quay car park on Fen LaneBeccles Quay car park on Fen Lane (Image: Nick Butcher)

A report was shown to councillors detailing the damage to the car park, such as trip hazards and marking out parking bays, which are not clear.

The Fen Lane car park during the day is free for the first hour followed by a 70p per hour charge (between 8am and 6pm) or only £3.50 per day if parking all day.

The town council says the quay "offers more than an opportunity to moor your boat, as it also offers a great venue for large and small events, having hosted fun fairs and music festivals in previous years". 

It is next to the Quay where boats moor up.

East Anglian Daily Times: Beccles Quay car park on Fen Lane Beccles Quay car park on Fen Lane (Image: Nick Butcher)

The moorings fees for 2024-25 for visiting craft were also set and are:

Overnight Mooring Fees (per 24 hours) – email becclesquay@becclestowncouncil.gov.uk for all booking enquiries.

Stern On: £15

Side On: £20

Daytime Mooring Fees

Free for the first two hours, then £8 thereafter.

If you decide to stay overnight, you will need to pay the balance for an overnight fee.

Permanent Moorings

The annual mooring fees for permanent moorings are:

Main Basin    £49 per foot
River Wall    £47 per foot
Gas Dyke    £350 Set Rate

East Anglian Daily Times: Beccles QuayBeccles Quay (Image: Broads Charitable Trust)