Parking permits in Weymouth Park District outnumber spaces
A number of changes are coming to the Park District to create more space for vehicle owners
The number of parking permits outnumbers the number of spaces available in Weymouth’s Park District.
A consultation revealed there are 526 spaces for vehicles in Zones A and C, but 698 permits in circulation.
Some hotels, guest houses, holiday homes and Air BNB accommodation won’t be eligible for permits anymore, after changes made by Dorset Council.
The amendments affect properties in Zone A and C and include:
• Hotels, guest houses, holiday homes and Airbnb accommodation within Zone A & C will be removed from the eligibility criteria. These premises will now only be able to purchase permits for the Swannery Car Park, with guests able to use 10-minute unloading time to drop luggage and check-in
• Residential properties will be restricted to a maximum of two on-street permits per household
• Properties with private driveways will be restricted to one permit per household
• The one-hour maximum wait period for on-street parking is being shortened, it will now be from 9am to 6pm. Between 6pm and 9am parking will be for residents permit holders only with no waiting period
The pricing of residents parking permits is not changing and anyone with additional vehicles needing an extra permit will be able to buy a Swannery Car Park permit.
It’s in response to a residents’ petition in 2018, organised by The Park Community Centre.
It was recognised by the community group that there is an imbalance between the availability of spaces and the number of cars seeking to park in the area, a view supported by Dorset Council.
In Autumn 2019, residents, businesses, hotel/guesthouses and other stakeholders were asked how they felt about changing the parking permit allocation to make it more effective and alleviate the strain on parking in the area.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment said:
“Although we’re unable to create new parking spaces in this densely populated area, we can make changes to our permit system to favour residents and make it easier for them to find a parking space.
“The available parking space may not be directly outside your home, as there is still such high demand in the area, but this new allocation will provide more space across the permit zone.
“We recognise it will take time for accommodation providers in the area to adapt to this new system, but we feel that this arrangement will be a much more positive experience for visitors – who currently have to circle the area and join the fierce competition for an on-street parking space.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation and who attended our drop-in sessions at the community centre, you’ve helped us shape this permit scheme and make it more effective.”