Increased parking fines trial ends

The trial of increased parking fines along our coastal roads, from Sandbanks to Southbourne, has now concluded; with the Department for Transport (DfT) set to determine the next steps.

In July, the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, announced they had approved BCP Council’s request for a trial of tougher measures to tackle irresponsible and dangerous parking - and that this could take place in August.

The trial came after repeated surges in illegal parking during our busiest weekends - with more than 4,000 Penalty Charge Notices in just three weekends across June and July.

Parking fines will now return to their standard level whilst the detailed data from the trial is collated and shared with the DfT who will decide on the next steps.

Feedback is absolutely essential in helping inform the DfT’s decision-making process and everyone is encouraged to ensure their voice is counted by filling in our online form: Increased Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) Trial - Feedback Form which will remain open until the end of September.

There are more than 150 parking locations across our three towns, totalling more than 18,000 spaces, and our civil enforcement officers will continue to fine motorists who instead choose to park illegally and put lives at risk.

Helen Taverner, Head of Parking Operations and Enforcement at BCP Council, said: “We have collected a huge amount of data and feedback over the last month and are in the process of analysing that alongside the Department for Transport.

“Feedback is still very much welcome and will be crucial in helping inform what happens next; and we encourage everyone to have their say.

“We will be in a position to share these results, in more detail, in the near future and will continue to work alongside the DfT who will outline the next steps.”