Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: "Summer visitors and the money they bring to coastal resorts are often the lifeblood of tourism and commercial vibrancy at these places. "However, some councils use parking charges to leech excessive payments from day-trippers and holidaymakers, in the hope of filling the black holes in their finances. Mr Cousens warned that these parking fees not only deter visitors but also reduce spending in local businesses that depend on tourism. He said: "The other sad aspect is that sky-high parking charges siphon off potential visitor spending at businesses that rely on tourism. "The Government must also be miffed by rip-off parking charges grabbing the Great British Summer Savings they have been so keen to promote."