Parking fine rise trial across seafront roads ends

The trial ran to see if higher fines reduced illegal, dangerous or inconsiderate parking along the seafront during the summer

An increased parking fine trial has ended along a stretch of coastal roads.

The trial took place to overcome parking chaos near beaches in Bournemouth and Poole after cars were left on double yellow lines, across pavements and on roundabouts as visitors flocked to the area in the early summer months.

In July, Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander approved Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council's request for a trial of tougher measures to tackle irresponsible and dangerous parking.

The results of the trial will now be used by the Department for Transport to decide whether higher fines could be rolled out across the country.

Cars were towed after being parked on roundabouts near the seafront over the summer

BCP is the only area of the country to trial the scheme after lobbying from MPs and residents over cars parked illegally, particularly along the seafront.

The trial took place in August after repeated surges in illegal parking in the area during busy weekends.

More than 4,000 penalty charge notices were handed out in and around the resort over three weekends across June and July.

Parking fines will now return to their standard level while the data from the trial is collated and shared with the government, which will decide on the next steps.

Income from on-street fines is used to support work on highways such as to reduce congestion.

People are being asked to share their views on the trial via an online feedback form until the end of September.

The trial saw fines for illegal parking increased from £70 to £160 for higher tariff offences

The current fines for a penalty charge notice (PCN) in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are:

• £50 for lower tariff offences (reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days)

• £70 for higher tariff parking offences (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days)

During the trial, these fines were increased to:

• £110 for lower tariff offences (reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days)

• £160 for higher tariff offences (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days)

The fines increased further if not settled promptly.