Seaside parking fines increase for second year

Visitors to a seaside resort will again face higher fines for illegal parking this summer.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council more than doubled its Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in a trial last year and has now been allowed to do the same this summer.

Earlier this month the Department for Transport approved the second trial, which will run from 4 until 31 August.

Councillor Richard Herrett said the "tougher fines work" after the council said it issued 7% fewer fines in 2025.

Herrett added: "The 2025 results showed these powers work and there was still capacity across our car parks, including those close to beaches and town centres.

"Crucially, higher fines did not deter people from visiting. The BCP area remained as popular as ever, with returning visitors more than doubling year-on-year and millions of trips made to our area every month."

Parking in the car park closest to Bournemouth seafront - Bath Road South - currently costs £28, with a cost of a fine £35 if paid within 14 days.

The fines will increase to £160, reducing to £80 if settled within 14 days and will be charged along 543 coastal roads from Sandbanks to Southbourne.

Other tariffs include a £100 wheel clamp charge and £280 to release a vehicle from a pound - charges comparable to those seen in London.

The increased PCN fines will be applicable to illegally parked vehicles in both on-street and off-street areas.