Illegal parking has fallen by nearly seven per cent following a trial of increased penalty charge notices across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The scheme covered 29 BCP Council car parks and 543 roads stretching from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. Findings were reviewed by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee, which heard that fifty nine per cent of residents and seventy six per cent of businesses support stronger parking enforcement.
Christchurch was used as a comparison area during the trial. Councillor Lesley Dedman asked whether the town would be included in any future scheme or face continued illegal parking pressures.
Councillor Richard Herrett confirmed that if a further trial goes ahead it would cover the whole council area and run for a longer period. He said the authority hopes to secure an extended trial for the summer, with the report currently under review by the Department for Transport.
Councillor Sandra Mackrow raised concerns about informing visitors of the changes. Councillor Herrett said posters were displayed in every car park and at the entrance to the zone.
BCP Council’s cabinet will discuss the report next Wednesday.
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