Dorset Council pledges no rise in summer parking charges

Businesses in Weymouth had complained about high parking charges during the summer months

Any immediate increases in parking fees have been ruled out along much of the Dorset coast.

Dorset Council confirmed motorists will be charged the previously agreed summer rate from 1 April.

It follows protests from businesses and residents over parking charges in Weymouth.

The council said it would continue to look for ways to increase its income from parking, which currently stands at almost £11m per year.

Last summer more than 7,000 people signed a petition claiming parking fees were undermining the local economy in Weymouth.

Peak-season parking was raised to £4.50 for two hours in many of the town's car parks in April 2023.

Critics said the council had "unashamedly maximised" parking charges on beach towns.

'No intention'

Dorset Council previously said that car park income for past year was less than predicted by £2.5m, blamed largely on wet weather in July and August.

The council also had difficulties, dating back to the Covid period, in securing new parking machines capable of taking cash and cards.

A council statement said: "There is no intention to increase tariffs in our car parks this year. We will continue to review these prices on a regular basis."

Portfolio holder for highways, Ray Bryan, said that with most of the new machines now in place the council was better able to analyse parking data.

He said that a new parking fee structure, with bands depending on location, had simplified charges - with the council also introducing a new range of residents' permits.