Norfolk County beach-goers to pay for parking again this summer

People visiting beaches in Norfolk County should expect to pay for parking again this summer as the much debated Paid Parking Pilot project returns for the season.

The paid parking initiative is launching on Thursday and will run until the end of the summer on Sept. 2.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., out-of-town beach-goers will be required to pay $4 per hour.

Permanent residents can apply for Residential Paid Parking Permits which are available for $20 each and allow residents to park for up to four hours a day for free at area beaches.

After four hours, permit-holders must pay the $4 per hour fee.

READ MORE: Norfolk officials make changes to its pilot project that would see paid parking enforced near the county’s beaches

Improvements to the parking system have been made based on feedback from last year, such as increasing the number of parking spots and introducing permanent resident permits.

“Both Council and staff thought it was important to consider the feedback provided by the public and will do so again after this season’s pilot finishes,” Mayor Amy Martin said.

The total number of paid parking spaces has more than doubled, from 182 to 468, with new spots on Cedar Dr. in Turkey Point and Erie Blvd. in Long Point.

County staff are warning of a delay in the arrival of five pay stations and for a limited amount of time, Long Point will have only one pay station located at Abigail Becker parking lot.

Three additional units will be added along Erie Blvd. in the coming weeks.

Turkey Point will begin the project without any in-person stations, but two will be installed once they’re available. Visitors to these areas are encouraged to use the mobile app or website to book their space.