Recently there has been much debate about the cost of parking in Weymouth.

The Echo featured an article on a tourist from the Midlands who was upset about no longer being able to have a parking permit when staying in Weymouth on holiday.

So it seems timely to bring you these pictures from the 1960s showing the pre-decimal car parking charges in Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.

They've been shared with us by Geoff Pritchard.

As you can see, prices in the Swannery around 60 years ago were considerably cheaper.

Dorset Echo: Weymouth parking charges in the 1960sWeymouth parking charges in the 1960s

The price structure for Sundays and bank holidays seemed a lot more simplified with a summer charge from June 1 to September 30 of a flat rate of 2s 6d per day or part of a day for a car and 1s 0d per day or part of the day for a motor cycle.

There was a 'Spring rate' applicable from March 1 to May 31 of 1 shilling per day or part of the day for a car and 6d per day or part of the day for a motorbike.

There was a 2 shilling fee for any vehicle left in the car park between the hours of 11pm and 8am.

Dorset Echo: The Swannery car park in 1970The Swannery car park in 1970

In one of the pictures, taken on what looks like a warm day, the car park is full up and signs have been put out.

It seems as though Weymouth was as popular a destination for a day at the beach as it is now!