Bournemouth has become the first town in the UK to trial doubling parking fines in an effort to crack down on illegal parking during the busy summer season, a move that has sparked a heated debate between the Lib Dem-led council and local motorists.
The scheme, approved by the Department for Transport, will see parking fines rise to £70, or £140 if not paid within 14 days aligning them with London’s penalty rates.
The trial will run throughout August, Bournemouth’s busiest holiday month, when thousands of tourists descend on the seaside resort.
The initiative comes in response to widespread incidents of illegal parking, including cars left on double yellow lines, pavements, verges, roundabouts, and across private driveways. According to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, over 4,000 parking fines have already been issued during three recent heatwave weekends.
Previously, the standard fine was £35 only marginally more than the cost of a full day’s legal parking, which can exceed £20. The council believes that the low penalty has failed to deter illegal parking, particularly among tourists willing to risk a fine for convenience.
The announcement comes just weeks after BCP Council backtracked on plans to introduce £70 residents’ parking permits, following a backlash from locals who described the move as unfair.
The reversal has added to perceptions among some that the council is waging a war on motorists.
While labour MP for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes welcomed the move, noting that the penalty cap had not been reviewed in two decades, public reaction has been divided.
“The hope is by having such a significant increase in parking fines it can really have a deterrent effect,” Hayes said.
Many residents agree with stricter enforcement particularly in light of growing congestion and safety risks but others argue that the council is profiting at the expense of locals and visitors alike.
Jim James, a local resident, supported the change, saying: “Finally, about time. Let’s see their faces when they realise it’s not a measly £30 any longer.”
But others were more critical.
“As much as locals think this is brilliant, it isn’t. We will all be stung as a result,” one resident said.
“This is all about BCP making money. We should be welcoming visitors, not penalising them. Car parks are being sold off, and there are no decent park and ride options. Local businesses will suffer.”
Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, defended the decision, insisting the aim is not to punish but to encourage safe and legal parking.
“We welcome the fact the Government has recognised the problem we experience with illegal and irresponsible parking. We’ve been asking for this power for over six years. Even during our busiest weekends, there were still parking spaces available within a short walk of the seafront.”
She added that the increase in fines reflects the true cost of enforcement and patrols, and that the measure is designed to protect residents and responsible visitors alike.
“We want people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but they must park responsibly. This isn’t just about fines it’s about safety and fairness.”
The Bournemouth trial could set a precedent for other tourist hotspots struggling with the same issues. If successful, it may lead to wider implementation of higher parking penalties across the country especially in areas overwhelmed by seasonal surges in visitors.
In the meantime, the debate in Bournemouth continues, as the town balances hospitality with order and residents watch closely to see whether higher fines will bring relief or resentment.
