Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, BCP Council is sharing the enhanced measures that its traffic and transport teams have been taking to improve travel across the conurbation.

Looking to address congestion, its impact on air quality and slow journey times especially during the peak summer months, additional steps have been taken to help visitors and residents get around the area as quickly and conveniently as possible.

In addition to encouraging sustainable and more environmentally friendly travel choices, this year BCP Council has instigated a multi-agency response and traffic management plan. This work has included:

• Stepping up its multi-agency partnerships, working closely with police, bus and ferry companies address key issues during peak times.
• Monitoring traffic hotspots and targeting its on-road VMS signs to redirect excess traffic.
• Promoting alternative inland parking locations just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront such as car park facilities on Avenue Road and Cotlands Road.
• Enhanced parking enforcement, through increased numbers of staff and towing of illegally parked vehicles
• Providing park and ride initiatives in Bournemouth and Poole
• Car park marshals to help direct visitors to the next nearest available car park

These measures are further complimented by the Transforming Travel programme which aims to provide people greener, healthier, and better-connected travel choices, especially for short journeys, making walking, cycling and the use of public transport more accessible for everyone.

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability said:

"Our roads are getting busier and busier, with both residents and visitors suffering the effects of congestion; and the next two weekends are going to be a real challenge.”

“I would encourage visitors to our beaches to use one of the Park & Ride services we have put in place this year, or to consider whether it might be possible to travel by foot, bike, or bus. As part of our work to limit the effects of too many cars competing for too few places, we have tried to make it easier for people to use more sustainable alternatives, but we have also significantly increased parking enforcement and towing for the worst offenders.”

“Our message is clear: Come, enjoy yourselves, but if you are going to drive, make sure you park responsibly."