New measures are being introduced to tackle severe traffic congestion at one of Wales' most popular coastal destinations.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is implementing significant parking price increases and a new lockdown system at Newborough Beach in Anglesey.
From Friday, May 23, visitors will face more than double parking charges at the main beach car park and two others within Newborough Forest.
In addition, during the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend (May 24-26), a trial car park lockdown system will be introduced.
Parking will rise from £2 to £5 for two hours
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Once the 300-space beach car park is full, access barriers will close and no more vehicles will be allowed in until 4:30pm that day, even if spaces become available.
Parking for up to two hours will rise to £5, up from the current £2, while each additional 20 minutes will cost 70p instead of 40p.
The maximum daily charge will more than double from £7 to £15.
These increases have sparked criticism from some quarters, with concerns that people from across the Menai Strait may be priced out of visiting the National Nature Reserve.
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NRW stated that the new pricing structure is designed to align with other beach car parks on Anglesey.
The trial lockdown system will be implemented at all three car parks in the area - the main beach car park and two others within Newborough Forest (Airman's and Cwningar).
Arriving visitors will be alerted to closures via a matrix sign on the A4080 at Pen Lôn roundabout, located half a mile south of Newborough village.
The car parks typically reach capacity from 11am or earlier during peak periods such as Bank Holidays, weekends, and during good weather.
The maximum daily charge will rise from £7 to £15
GETTYNRW's land management team leader for northwest Wales, Richard Berry, said: "We hope this approach will safeguard the site's precious wildlife, improve the visitor experience and reduce congestion in the village where motorists currently wait for a parking space on the site to become available.
"We are therefore asking visitors to consider visiting at quieter times or to try one of the many other beaches and destinations on Anglesey."
The measures are designed to address the regular gridlock that affects Newborough village, as vehicles must pass through it to reach Traeth Llanddwyn beach.
Free parking for Blue Badge holders will continue unchanged. For visitors from outside Anglesey, the £70 annual pass option will also stay at the same price.
