Dorset split over Christmas Free Parking for shoppers
Dorset Council says yes, but has BCP turned into Scrooge?
Free parking has been announced in Dorset Council car parks on selected dates in the run up to Christmas.
Dorset Council says it wants to encourage people to shop local and attend community events.
Dorset Council is offering free parking on the first Saturday in December at: Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne.
Free parking will also be available in car parks managed by Dorset Council on various other dates in the run-up to Christmas. Details of the car parks and dates can be seen on the council’s Christmas parking webpages.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment said: “Shopping locally is a great way to cut down the mileage and support Dorset’s superb range of local businesses.
“For something different, why not take a look at what our fabulous independent businesses have to offer and shop locally this year.”
Weymouth Town Council successfully applied to Dorset Council to allow free parking in their car parks on Saturday 26th November, Saturday 3rd December, and Wednesday 28th December.
Participating town centre car parks include Pavilion, Pavilion Forecourt, Old Council Offices on North Quay, Governors Lane, Cosens Quay, Harbourside, Melcombe Regis, Park Street and Swannery.
Saturday 26th November coincides with Weymouth Town Council’s Christmas lights switch on at 5pm, New Bond Street, with the Mayor of Weymouth. There will be entertainment provided throughout the day, thanks to We Are Weymouth who are also staging an elf world record attempt! Plus, there’s late-night shopping in the town centre. Visit the website for full details.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said: “Weymouth is home to a fabulous range of shops and businesses so we hope this free parking offer will urge people to support their local high streets and venues, giving traders a much-needed boost.”
BCP Council leader apologises
However, it's a different story for BCP Council.
BCP Council leader Drew Mellor has made an apology for failing to fully consult over the decision to scrap free Christmas parking this year.
The decision, when it was announced, drew criticism from business leaders and several ward councillors.
A joint statement from the Business Improvement Districts for Bournemouth town, Bournemouth coastal, Poole and Christchurch said that the loss of the concessions was a ‘hammer blow’ to thousands of businesses across the towns.
The statement said: “It shows a lack of understanding of and support for our businesses as a whole and the pressures and issues they are facing.
“The Christmas trading period is often described in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors as vital to see them though the first quarter of the next year, when rents are due and consumer spending drops.
Neighbouring authorities, including Dorset and the New Forest, are offering several days of free Christmas parking in the days before Christmas.
In response to a question from Poole councillor Mohan Iyengar, Cllr Mellor said: “I have apologised to the BIDS and Christchurch that there had been no consultation.
“Hands up, it was not handled well…the level of engagement was not good enough.”
The decision came after the council ramped up its investigation into areas where savings could be made after inflation added an estimated additional £25million of unforseen costs to its budget this year.
It is also currently reviewing fees and charges with a view to increasing some in line with inflation.
“We are not looking to put up prices by the absolute maximum…we’re looking for prices to increase by inflation, as a starter, otherwise we end up subsidising services by those people who do not use it,” said Cllr Mellor.