The trial of increased parking fines along coastal roads from Sandbanks to Southbourne has now concluded, with the Department for Transport set to decide what happens next.
The measures were introduced after repeated surges of illegal parking during peak weekends, which saw more than 4,000 Penalty Charge Notices issued across just three weekends in June and July.
The temporary increase in fines was approved in July by the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, following a request from BCP Council. The trial ran through August to test whether higher penalties would deter irresponsible or dangerous parking.
Now that the trial period has ended, fines have returned to their usual level. The detailed data gathered during the trial is being analysed and will be shared with the Department for Transport, which will then determine whether tougher measures should be adopted more permanently.
Helen Taverner, Head of Parking Operations and Enforcement at BCP Council, said: “We have collected a huge amount of data and feedback over the last month and are in the process of analysing that alongside the Department for Transport. Feedback is still very much welcome and will be crucial in helping inform what happens next.”
Residents and visitors are being encouraged to take part in the council’s online feedback form, which remains open until the end of September.
Across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole there are more than 150 parking locations with over 18,000 spaces available. Civil enforcement officers will continue to issue fines to motorists who choose to park illegally and put lives at risk.
Results from the trial are expected to be shared publicly once the data and responses have been fully reviewed with the Department for Transport.
Elsewhere, in 2022, Brighton and Hove City Council trialled higher fines in coastal areas, later making them permanent after seeing a reduction in dangerous parking.
