Locals in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), could soon be charged £70 a year to park outside their own homes under new proposals from the Liberal Democrat-led council.
The plan would see parking meters installed on streets within one kilometre (0.6 miles) of the seafront.
Residents would need to buy permits for £70 to continue parking in these areas, which are currently free. The council says the move is intended to curb illegal parking by tourists and raise funds for better enforcement, including more tow trucks.
But the proposal has sparked anger among residents, who accuse the council of hypocrisy after it sold two key seafront car parks. Critics say this is the latest example of the council’s anti-car agenda, especially following years of disruptive roadworks to build nearly 50 miles of cycle lanes.
The council says the new charges are needed to tackle a surge in irresponsible parking, especially during the summer tourist season. In recent weeks, cars have been seen parked on pavements, grass verges, and even roundabouts. Last weekend alone, over 1,000 vehicles were fined, and ten were towed away.
Areas affected by the proposal include Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine, Westcliff, Boscombe, and Southbourne, all currently free for residential street parking.
Peter Schroeder, chairman of the Branksome Park Residents Association, slammed the plan as stupid and hypocritical. He said, “We say no to residents paying to park their cars on their streets. We already pay some of the highest council tax in the area. This is just another cost for residents, their guests, and tradespeople.”
Locals questions parking
Other locals took to social media to question the logic. “How is charging for currently free parking going to stop people from parking illegally on grass verges and double yellows?” asked resident Shaun White.
Councillor Richard Herrett, who oversees leisure and commercial operations at BCP Council, defended the proposal: “We welcome over 10 million visitors to our seafront each year. Illegal and inconsiderate parking causes safety issues and affects residents’ quality of life. These proposals could help fund better enforcement across a wider area.”
The plan will now go to public consultation before any final decision is made.
