Plans to restrict FREE Christmas parking across Dorset
Town’s will only allowed two days of free parking in December this year
Last updated 10th Mar 2021
Business leaders across Dorset are pleading with Dorset Council for more designated free parking at Christmas.
Towns are normally promised six days free parking a year to use at their discretion, but a letter written to town councils has informed them only two of their normal allocation will be available for December.
One of those must be used on the first Saturday of December, otherwise known as Small Business Saturday and the other must be placed on a weekday.
The other four will have to be used at other times of the year.
But, town’s say it will have a significant blow on businesses that rely on football and shoppers encouraged to shop local, especially at Christmas time.
Phil Gordon, Manager of Dorchester BID told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
“For the last few year, Dorchester’s businesses have definitely benefitted from having an adde3d attraction of free parking for a number of Saturdays during December in the run up to Christmas.
“Especially in the current climate it seems amazing to me, of all years to decide to take this away from the businesses in town… the timing couldn’t be worse really.”
Phil says that it’s expected that the council would make some financial cut backs due to the ongoing financially taxing pandemic.
But, the lead up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for the high street and Dorset Council must carefully balance keeping it's head above water, and supporting the local economy.
“It’s something which you have to accept, this has all got to be paid for. There’s a huge amount of money been paid out, and clearly we are going to be paying for it for a very long time.
“My argument is more timing. This is going to be a recovery year for the businesses in town and boy, do we need all the help and support we can get.
“We’re not looking for endless free handouts, we’re looking for a good climate that enables people to be able to afford to come to town and it would be much easier to see ways of paying back some of these huge debts in the future if we could have a really good trading year or two under our belts.”
Dorset Council has been asked for comment but did not respond.