Dorset councils and PCC ask Government for tougher parking sanctions
They're concerned about illegal parking, especially during the summer
There are calls for bigger fines for people who park anti-socially in Dorset.
It's becoming a massive problem in the county - especially in the summer.
Motorists are increasingly abandoning their cars on double yellow lines and even roundabout in areas close to the beach.
Dorset Council, BCP Council and the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, asking for increased parking fines.
The current maximum fine is £100, with calls for that to be increased to at least £150
The letter states that current fines, which vary from £50 to £70 which is halved if paid within 14 days, are simply too low to deter antisocial parking and keep road traffic flowing freely.
The call for action comes as Dorset prepares for yet another busy summer period as residents and tourists head to beauty spots to make the most of pleasant weather.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said:
“Once again, we find ourselves entering a summer period when Dorset’s population triples and many visit our beaches and beauty spots. We’ve seen in past years that the current fines are not enough to deter the anti-social and illegal parking that increases congestion and, in some cases, poses a risk to people’s lives. I will continue to lobby government for tougher consequences for such irresponsible and selfish behaviour.”
In June last year, illegal parking became such a problem across the water in Studland that it interfered with Firefighters' ability to deal with the large heath fire and Dorset Police were called to help deal with the vehicles.
BCP Council Leader, Cllr Philip Broadhead said:
“As one of the premier tourist destinations in the UK, each summer we welcome thousands of visitors to our beaches and open spaces. We’ve ample parking to accommodate them, but too many decide to ignore good practice and clog our up roads with illegal parking on double yellow lines.”
“Our seasonal response efforts over the last few years has made a real impact on this, but we remain hampered by the inadequacy of the government mandated limit on fines for these offences. A change in this legislation to reflect the flexibility that London has would make a critical difference to ensuring that we can enforce considerate parking.”
The issue affects many of Dorset’s tourist attractions particularly the numerous seaside resorts.
Dorset Council Leader, Cllr Spencer Flower said:
“On behalf of Dorset Council, I fully support this call for tougher parking fines. Illegal parking at Dorset beauty spots causes major risk to public safety, as well as inconvenience and frustration for local residents. I implore the Secretary of State to heed our call.”