Car park charges could change to match demand

Parking charges in Dorset could change if new proposals are agreed at the next full council meeting.

There are 11,000 parking spaces over 82 Dorset Council run car parks that operate under a three-tier system.

Under new plans individual car parks would have a cost that reflects the area it is in and the community that it serves.

Dorset Council Leader Nick Ireland said: "Different places face different challenges. What works in a busy coastal destination may not be right for a market town or somewhere with spare parking capacity."

A review of the current three tier system was held and found differences in demand across the county.

It examined accessibility, road safety and how parking supports town centres and wider transport priorities.

Some town centre and coastal car parks regularly experience high demand, while others have spare capacity.

Changes could include charges being introduced at some currently free car parks, improvements to accessibility and measures to help reduce congestion and improve availability.

As well as parking charges and seasonal pricing in areas where demand varies throughout the year, measures to reduce congestion and improve parking availability and better parking enforcement to reduce dangerous parking.

Ireland continued; "Our approach needs to reflect those differences, support local businesses and help people get to the shops and services they need.

"Managing parking demand more effectively can also help reduce unnecessary traffic, ease congestion and improve air quality.

"Encouraging cleaner vehicle use is another way parking can help us respond to the climate crisis while supporting economic growth."

If voted for by the cabinet no changes will be made until after April 7 2027.

Details of how and when to provide feedback will be published if approved.