BCP Council among England’s top earners for parking income
Car parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council generated nearly £28million last year
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has emerged as one of the highest earners in England from parking charges, raking in close to £28m in the last financial year.
New government figures place the south coast authority in the top 20 nationwide for total parking income and first overall for revenue generated from “off-street parking” - fees paid in council-run car parks.
The scale of the takings is perhaps unsurprising given the charges at some of the area’s busiest sites.
The Pavilion car park in Bournemouth costs drivers £14.50 for four hours in the peak summer months, while town-centre alternatives can set motorists back £5.70 for the same stay.
Now, prices do fluctuate depending on location, time of day and season, but the overall trend has been upwards. Earlier this year, the council implemented an average 4% rise in parking tariffs.
The authority says the revenue is essential at a time of mounting financial strain.
Councillor Richard Herrett said: “Like most councils across the country, BCP faces rising costs and an increase in demand for core services.
“Car parking revenue is a vital source of income that means we can continue to deliver environmental projects, public transport services and schemes, and fund our parking services across BCP, in line with the rules set out by government.”
Across England, councils made £1.2bn in profits from parking in 2023, with overall income – including on-street charges and fines - reaching £2.3bn.
The figures are likely to fuel further debate about whether local authorities are using drivers as a source of easy cash, particularly in coastal towns where visitors are heavily reliant on car travel.
BCP’s position at the top of the league table highlights both the popularity of its tourist hotspots.
However, a proposed BCP Council ‘Resident Card’ will offer one hour of free parking at council-owned car parks with any purchased session after 9:30AM.
The card is a new initiative to provide benefits to residents, and is expected to launch by summer 2026, following discussions and approval by the council.