Higher parking fines were trialled along coastal roads, between Sandbanks and Southbourne, in August 2025. The aim was to test if higher fines reduced illegal and irresponsible parking along the seafront during our busiest periods.
We’ve now analysed the data from that trial and submitted a report to the Department for Transport who will be responsible for determining the next steps.
What the trial achieved
The month-long trial showed that increased fines reduced illegal parking – keeping coastal routes safer, traffic moving more freely, and making our coastline more accessible for everyone.
Illegal and obstructive parking fell significantly and roads become easier for public transport, emergency services and residents to navigate.
Visitors still came to enjoy the best of what our towns have to offer with millions of trips made to the seafront and town centres – and car parks consistently had spare capacity just a short walk from both of these.
Read the full trial report for more information.
The next steps
We have shared the full findings of the trial with the Department for Transport (DfT). They will now decide if we can implement the higher penalty charges on a permanent basis.
We are ready to work with Government to secure a long-term approach that puts our residents, and their safety, first. We have the infrastructure and resources ready to implement the deterrent on a permanent basis.
We will continue working with the DfT and Government officials and share updates where we can.
Why we did this trial
Persistent issues with dangerous and irresponsible parking - particularly during peak summer weekends - led to thousands of PCNs being issued across the six busiest days last summer. The trial tested whether stronger penalties could effectively deter this behaviour, reduce congestion and improve safety for residents, visitors and road users.
Parking in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
We have over 150 separate places to park, including car parks and on-street parking.
Even at our busiest times of the year there are parking spaces available at our car parks.
You can find a car park or on-street parking online, where you will also find:
- charges
- restrictions
- opening times
You can also: