UNEQUAL car parking charges affecting winter business at two Mumbles restaurants could be reviewed.

This week Swansea councillors considered a 3,500- strong petition, objecting to the price of parking at certain foreshore car parks.

It costs between £1.10 and £1.20 for the first hour at Bracelet Bay, next to Castellamare, and Knab Rock, next to Verdis, compared with 50p at the car park at the bottom of Newton Road.

Daniel Gilmore, manager of Verdi's restaurant, said the new charges were "excessive and an extra tax on the business".

Year-round charges were introduced last year as the council looked to fill an £850,000 hole in the parking service's 2008/9 budget.

Councillors at the Planning and Petitions Committee meeting objected to the inequality of the charges and the steep winter fees.

They called on officers to consider a 50p charge, which was accepted as reasonable by the business owners, who have also suggested introducing season tickets.

Councillor Richard Lewis criticised the proposed option of season tickets.

"Am I going to go on a seasonal ticket?" he said. "No. I'm going to when I want to.

"It (the charges) will have a detrimental effect and season tickets aren't the answer."

Councillors also complained the high cost of parking meant more visitors would park on the road, potentially causing an obstruction and adding to traffic congestion, which is already an issue in Mumbles.

Members agreed to defer voting on the officers' recommendations of noting plans for season tickets, but taking no further action.

Cabinet member for the environment John Hague and cabinet member for culture and tourism Graham Thomas agreed to defer the matter to discuss the possibility of a 50p winter parking charge.

Mr Thomas also said he agreed charging should be uniform at all car parks along the coast.

helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk