Dorset Council is bracing for significant public feedback as it invites residents to share their views on parking across the county. Previous attempts to modify parking charges sparked widespread opposition—most notably, a petition exceeding 7,000 signatures from Weymouth residents. The council responded by adjusting fees at The Swannery car park and faced ongoing complaints from Lyme Regis over higher charges in popular coastal areas.
In response to concerns that night-time and overnight parking fees would harm local economies, the council has rolled back these charges in certain locations. Inland communities like Wimborne have also voiced frustration over parking fees, especially where on-street options are limited, often pushing drivers to pay for overnight parking in public car parks.
Now, Dorset Council is launching a new public consultation aimed at gathering input to help develop a fairer, more accessible parking policy. Over the next month, users of car parks and street parking throughout Dorset will be invited to participate in a survey.
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Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said, “This review is about making sure our parking services are fair, accessible, and fit for the future. We want to hear from as many people as possible to understand what’s working well and where improvements are needed. Your feedback will directly influence how we manage parking across Dorset.”
The consultation focuses on several key areas: the effectiveness of the current three-tier fee system differentiating resort towns, market towns, and rural areas; awareness and uptake of parking permits, which the council promotes as a money-saving option despite low usage; and experiences with resident-only, evening, and overnight parking. Respondents are also encouraged to suggest enhancements, such as increased electric vehicle charging points, more flexible permit options, and improved signage.
The review covers all 117 council-operated car parks and on-street parking zones, spanning resident permit areas, coastal destinations, and town centres. According to the council, the initiative aligns with larger goals, including reducing carbon emissions, bolstering the local economy, and enhancing road safety and accessibility.
It’s important to note that the survey does not address longstanding concerns related to lighting levels in car parks—such as Dorchester’s main car park near Brewery Square, which remains poorly lit—as well as the availability of public toilets, disabled access, and cycle parking.
Dorset Council emphasizes that parking revenue is reinvested into car park maintenance and improvements and represents a crucial portion of the highways budget rather than profit.
The survey remains open until Thursday, 4 September, and can be completed online at consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/c-e/parking-survey. Printed copies are available on request by contacting Dorset Council at 01305 221000.