Plans for a new Resident Card offering discounts and free activities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been approved by Cabinet members.
The card will provide ten percent off at seafront kiosks, an additional free hour of parking in surface car parks after a ticket is bought, and one free swim each month at a BCP leisure centre.
The scheme was debated at a Cabinet meeting on 1 October, where councillors were able to share their views. Councillor Jeff Hanna said people taking advantage of the parking benefit are “likely to stay an hour longer than they would have done otherwise and that is going to be a boost to our town centres and businesses.”
Councillor Richard Burton described the plan as a starting point that could be improved further once in place. Councillor Chris Rigby also welcomed the potential for local businesses to join in.
Some councillors raised concerns about the cost of the card, reliance on the RingGo app for parking, and the target of at least five percent uptake. Councillor Richard Herrett confirmed options are being looked at for including multi-storey car parks and possibly public transport in future.
The Resident Card had earlier received recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on 22 September. Cabinet has now agreed to put the proposal forward to Full Council, where it will be debated on 14 October.
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