New parking charges at Leicestershire's Twycross Zoo have divided opinion. Some have claimed they "won't be visiting again" amid the increase, but others feel it is fair.
The zoo introduced the new £3 charge per vehicle at the Leicestershire attraction on Saturday, February 15. Bosses said the money from the parking charges will help fund "unavoidable" maintenance at the site. Twycross officials say the change, which was not "taken lightly", needs between £1.5 million and £2 million for crucial infrastructure improvements.
Readers on LeicestershireLive have been highly divided by the decision, with Robbie56 among those opposed. They said: “Too expensive to visit now, car parking charges, high entry ticket price and plus the extortionate food and drink, no thanks.”
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Thegrinch is as their name suggests, equally unimpressed. They said: “Won't be visiting again then. Prices are high for entry as it is, as you have to buy a 'yearly' pass for entry now (as with most of these places). All well and good if you visit a few times a year but why can't you just buy a cheaper day ticket? Charging to park as well as this, plus the usual extortionate food, drinks and gift shops.”
Val Leawood is concerned about the price rise's impacts on animal care if people do not return to the zoo. She said: “That is not going to work, I’m afraid not many people can afford that on top of the entrance fee. It's not like you can do street parking, it’s in the middle of nowhere really.. I just hope the animals don’t have to suffer if not many people show up.”
In their statement to confirm the charges, Twycross Zoo bosses emphasised that all Annual Pass Plus holders would continue to enjoy free parking on site. Conservation Membership holders will also retain their free parking privileges and for many readers they believed the new £3 fee was manageable.
Coral Binnie said: “Seeing as they give you a yearly pass after buying one ticket, they need to make money somewhere especially when people go and take their own food and drinks. £3 a time is hardly anything to grumble about!”
Sally Ann Powers agrees: “It’s only £3 to park and my son brought an annual pass for £22.46 on an offer they had which finished Monday. Everywhere you go there is a parking fee, so I don’t think £3 is excessive. Not many days out offer an annual pass at this price.”
Danny O'Callaghan also believed those complaining need to take into consideration charges at other attractions. He said: “You buy a ticket and get a yearly pass. Paying £3 to park seems fair, you'd spend more on a coffee. How much would a family of four pay to get into Alton Towers once 80-100 quid? Just pay the parking and stop whinging about it.”
However, some do not believe in the principle of the charge at all. Richard Wilkinson said: “A poor decision. Am I to believe that entry to the zoo is dependent on arriving by car? Infrastructure projects should be planned in advance and thus investment will also be planned and should be based on all means of arrival not just cars. And of course that is the entry fee.”
Some LeicestershireLive readers back the move to keep Twycross up and running though. Richard Wood said: “£3 is a fair price to pay these days if it keeps the zoo open, then I'm all for it.”
Lisa Roberts agrees, saying: “Everyone is struggling and they need funds to care for the animals! If four people go, it’s 75p each, it’s really no big deal.”
Will the parking charges put you off visiting the zoo or are you happy to help out? Have your say in our comments section.
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