Parking increases 'having a very real impact' on business, says Southwick cafe
A Southwick cafe says increased parking costs are ‘having a very real impact' on business.
Carats Cafe Bar, in Basin Road South, said it is ‘seeing fewer families, surfers, dog walkers and older customers visiting’ following changes to parking at Southwick Beach.
The beach was acquired by Shoreham Port in May 2026. The transfer of ownership, from Adur District Council, included the car park, public toilets, beach huts and the land occupied by Carats.
Parking costs have since increased, with two to four hours in the car park doubling from £3 to £6.
Chris Kraszewski, owner of Carats, said: “This year marks 25 years of Carats Café Bar at Southwick Beach, and more than anything we would love to be here serving this community for another 25 years.
“Unfortunately, the recent changes to the parking arrangements are having a very real impact — not only on Carats, but on the people who have used and enjoyed Southwick Beach for years.
“We are seeing fewer families, surfers, dog walkers and older customers visiting, and many people are telling us directly that the new parking charges and payment system are putting them off coming back.
“We are doing everything we can ourselves, including contributing towards our customers' parking costs, but this isn't a sustainable long-term answer.
“What we are asking for is a fair, practical parking solution that allows people to continue enjoying Southwick Beach and gives businesses like Carats the confidence to invest, grow and remain part of this community.”
Shoreham Port previously explained the parking tariff ‘needs to be in line with the rest of the Port’ to enable ‘ongoing reinvestment in the area’.
A spokesperson for the Port said: “We understand an increase is never a welcome thing and therefore are giving lots of notice so people are aware of when the parking tariff will change.
"The parking around the Port has been compared to the local area and is in line with other operators across the region.”
But Giles Hampton, a ‘passionate surfer’, has launched a petition to ‘demand a fair review and rollback of the increased parking fees’.
He described the beach as a ‘community hub that brings together water sports enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers’.
Mr Hampton said: “We urge the local port authority to reconsider this drastic price hike and for the city council to intervene on behalf of its community.
"A more balanced and fair parking management approach is needed, one that respects and supports our local community members who have cherished and cared for this beach for decades.
"Let’s work together to find a solution that maintains the integrity of our coastal beach break as an accessible and welcoming place for all.”
Mr Kraszewski shared the petition, urging customers to show their support.
He added: “25 years at Southwick Beach means an enormous amount to us. We'd really like the opportunity to make it another 25.”