Dorset Council is gearing up for a wave of feedback as it invites public opinion on proposed changes to parking charges across the county. Previous parking adjustments sparked significant public reaction—most notably a petition exceeding 7,000 signatures in Weymouth—and prompted fee alterations at The Swannery car park. Additionally, complaints from Lyme Regis highlighted concerns over higher fees in coastal areas deemed unfair by residents and visitors alike.
Responding to these concerns, the council has withdrawn plans for night-time and overnight parking charges in several locations, acknowledging fears about potential harm to the local night-time economy. Inland communities, such as Wimborne, have raised issues regarding limited on-street parking, which frequently forces residents to purchase overnight public car park permits.
To update its parking policy, Dorset Council is launching a comprehensive public survey targeting users of both car park and street parking facilities. The council emphasizes this review will ensure parking services remain fair, accessible, and future-proof. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions to shape upcoming decisions.
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Council Member for Place Services, Cllr Jon Andrews, explained, “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 help us understand what’s working well and where we can do better. Your feedback will directly influence how we manage parking across the Dorset Council area, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey.”
Key topics under consideration include the effectiveness of the current three-tier fee structure—distinguishing between high fees in resort towns, moderate fees in market towns, and lower fees in villages and rural areas. The survey also seeks opinions on parking permits, which the council promotes as a money-saving option but have seen lower-than-expected uptake. Other areas for input comprise resident-only zones, evening and overnight parking arrangements, and potential improvements such as increasing electric vehicle charging points, enhancing permit flexibility, and better signage.
This review will encompass all 117 council-operated car parks and on-street parking spaces, covering residential zones, coastal destinations, and town centers. A council spokesperson noted the initiative aligns with Dorset Council’s broader objectives, including lowering carbon emissions, boosting the local economy, and advancing road safety and accessibility.
It is important to note that some long-standing issues, such as inadequate lighting in certain car parks—including Dorchester’s main lot opposite Brewery Square—as well as the availability of public toilets, disabled access, and cycle parking facilities, are not part of this survey’s scope.
Dorset Council has previously clarified that revenue generated from parking fees is reinvested into maintaining and improving parking infrastructure and significantly supports the council’s highways budget, rather than representing profit.
The survey will be open for responses until Thursday, 4 September. It can be completed online at consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/c-e/parking-survey. Printed copies are also available on request by contacting Dorset Council at 01305 221000.