Parking fines set to more than double at resort

The new charges will see fines for illegal parking increased from £70 to £160

Fines for illegal parking near Bournemouth's beaches will more than double this weekend after a spate of vehicles were abandoned during the recent heatwaves.

Thousands of cars were left on double yellow lines, across pavements, and on roundabouts as visitors flocked to the seashore in June and July.

The new charges will see fines for illegal parking increased from £70 to £160, reducing to £80 if settled promptly.

BCP Council wrote to the government to ask permission for the trial increases, which are also supported by Dorset MPs Tom Hayes and Vikki Slade.

They have also lobbied in Parliament for the fines to be raised, which can only be done with government approval.

Multiple cars were spotted parking on double yellow lines in Bournemouth close to the seafront last year

Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, said he was pleased the trial was due to begin.

He said: “We need to stop people parking irresponsibly. Local residents have been outraged for years, summer after summer, by illegal and dangerous parking.

“My hope is that this brings people who live locally the piece of mind that they deserve."

Richard Herrett, leisure portfolio holder Leisure at BCP Council, said: "For too long, illegal and dangerous parking along our seafront roads has put lives at risk, obstructed emergency and resident access, and undermined the safety and enjoyment of our coastal spaces.

“This is not just a matter of inconvenience—it's a public safety issue we can no longer ignore.

"This trial is about seeing if tougher penalties will have an impact and stop people from parking irresponsibly along our seafront.

“Our goal is to make the area safer and easier to access for everyone who lives here and visits our beautiful area."