My CoR contact says beach front residents have complained regarding parking along the pond (maybe from wicked vans and hairy man bums blocking the view?). Metering is a typical means to reduce ratepayer complaints (or be seen as attempting to resolve) while making some revenue. Quite normal council response.
Other complaints were received from residents and "SB yacht club" users, including parents of the kids martial arts classes - struggling for a park there due to campers for extended periods through summer. The Rangers played diplomatic and monitored the situation. I've been told things will change next summer and fines will be issued to people "camping" in the ponds surrounding carparks.
Sounds like a change is in the wind down there. As with the beach front demographic changing, bringing wealthier rate payers into the mix.
I know a few years back a similar crack down on campers happened at Scarbs after similar complaints from residents. One resident wrote Brighton carpark resembled a "freeloader caravan park". Stirling council went as far as installing mobile neon traffic management boards with fine warnings to keep the campers away. Maybe they can erect on the pond bank flashing "no short tracking, double demerits"
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