Bournemouth MP calls for increase in double yellow fines to stop seaside parking problems
Tobias Ellwood claims some drivers are prepared to take the £35 hit to get a good parking spot
Higher fines for parking on double yellow lines should be extended beyond London, ministers have been told.
Conservative former minister Tobias Ellwood said some visitors to Bournemouth are willing to pay £35 for the rule breach so they can enjoy a "great day by the sea".
He said the £65 penalty applied in London should be extended to Bournemouth.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), also known as parking fines, are issued when motorists break parking regulations, such as by parking on double yellow lines or on a single yellow line at a prohibited time.
Fines can be up to £130 in London or up to £70 outside the capital.
The penalty is usually halved if a driver pays within 14 days.
Mr Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, told transport question in the Commons: "Seventy-five per cent of visitors to Bournemouth travel by car and they are most welcome, particularly when they don't park on double yellow lines.
"But some are choosing to do so for a great day by the sea but willing to pay the £35 charge, and that does obstruct local traffic and indeed the emergency services.
"But if you park on a double yellow in London the charge is £65 - that's a real deterrent.
"Please, can the London charging rates for parking on yellow lines be extended to Bournemouth?"
Transport minister Richard Holden said he recently met with Sir Conor Burns, Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, and council members to discuss the issue.
He added: "This is something I'd be happy to discuss further with (Mr Ellwood)."