U-turn over new parking charges for Dorset
New charges up until 8pm have been dropped, for now
New evening car park charges until 8pm have been dropped by Dorset Council for now – although Sunday charges will still be introduced in many areas for the first time.
Dorset Council say they recognise that now is not the time to add the 6-8pm charge and by dropping it hope to help local businesses coming out of lockdown restrictions.
But for West Bay and Lyme Regis all-day charges in council owned car parks will now quadruple, rather than double as originally suggested – going up from £2 to £8.
Highways portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan says this will bring them in line with other seaside towns in Dorset. Both areas have not had an increase in the fee since 2014.
The decision, announced earlier in the year, to increase the charging period, led to an outcry from some business organisations, individuals, and several town and parish councils.
Cllr Ray Bryan told Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting that the council had listened to the concerns and had deferred the 6-8pm charges for now – but would be looking at the issue again next year when a bigger review of parking takes place.
He said that, because of the pandemic, the council was facing a £3million drop in car park income while its maintenance and running costs remained the same.
He said the council would be prepared to listen to requests for free parking from town and parish councils, on a limited number of occasions, where local events were held on Sundays. More work would also be done to try and ensure Sunday car boot sales in Dorchester and Bridport could continue to have free parking although it is believed there may be a legal agreement in place to guarantee it.
Cllr Bryan said the second phase of the parking review, in the New Year, would be wide-reaching and would look at three tiers of charges – for seaside towns, tourist towns and other areas. It would also look at promoting park and ride schemes, finding space for motorhomes to park and permits allowing reduced fees for residents, workers and shoppers.
Dorchester councillor Andy Canning said he was grateful for the council backing down on the 6-8pm charge. He said he recognised it was important to raise revenue but not at the expense of threatening businesses.
Cllr Canning said the Liberal Democrat group recognised the financial difficulties the council was in and would support an across the board rise in parking income of around 5per cent, especially as some charges had not change for six years.
Lyme Regis councillor Daryl Turner said that, despite the big increase for council car parks in his town, he welcomed the changes. He said he hoped it would encourage greater use of park and ride which would help keep traffic out of the town. But he said he remained concerned about drivers trying to find residential roads to park in.
Weymouth councillor Kate Wheller welcomed the larger parking review. She said harbourside residents and businesses would welcome the opportunity to discuss any proposed quayside closure schemes the council might have next year – well in advance of any road closures or other charnges.
Cllr Bryan promised it would happen: “The Weymouth scheme was successful, it cost us a few bob, but it helped businesses,” he said.