COUNCIL chiefs have responded amid claims that Weymouth is one of the most expensive seaside towns to park in the country.

Ahead of the bank holiday, a report by an online parking company claimed that parking in the borough could set holidaymakers back £15 for an all day stay.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has confirmed that figure has been taken from prices at the privately-owned Britannia multi-storey car park on Commercial Road and is not a reflection of council prices.

Strategic Director at the council Martin Hamilton said: “Council-operated long stay car parks allow all day parking in Weymouth in peak season for just £8 – not the £15 implied.

“With the best beach in the UK according to Trip Advisor, Blue Flag status, and an exciting events programme, we feel this is extremely competitive and reflects prices set by other seaside towns on the south coast.”

The list, created by Yourparkingspace.co.uk, claimed that Weymouth was the second most expensive seaside resort for parking in the UK, coming in after Brighton where parking can reach £30 for an all day stay.

The list compared parking among popular resorts such as Blackpool, Margate, Bournemouth, Southend-on-Sea and Bournemouth.

Aside from the multi-storey, all long-stay car parks in Weymouth town centre cost £8 to park all day between April and October, with cheaper charges during winter, and free parking after 6pm.

In comparison, the Britannia Parking site costs £8.50 for six hours and £3 for each additional hour after that.

Britannia Parking Ltd said its multi-storey is aimed at customers staying for a limited number of hours, rather than all day.

A spokesman for the company said: “Charges at the multi-storey car park have always been competitively priced in line with short stay car parks in the area. It has among the lowest hourly rates in a short-stay car park in the town. We do however accept that should there be a requirement for all day parking then a rate needs to be available.”

The company added that its customers benefit from manned attendants and extra security with extra provided by CCTV which is monitored 24 hours.

Customers at the car park have also benefited from a recent £300,000 investment which has included new lighting, Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, new barriers and pay machines.

Despite numerous pricing options, many residents feel parking in the town is still very expensive for people who live here.

Ashely Cobb said: “I think full time workers in town and residents of Weymouth should get some sort of discount on parking. Overall, I think the charges are too high for anybody but if you’re going to charge anyone, charge the people who come holidaying in the area.”