Calls grow for action over illegal seaside parking

A council is urging the government to take long-term action over illegal parking as the summer season approaches.

Millie Earl, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, again to lobby for tougher enforcement powers that better deter illegal, dangerous, and irresponsible parking.

It comes after the "successful" implementation of last year's landmark summer trial of higher fines, which the council says made roads safer and reduced congestion.

The AA has previously voiced concern over the local authority's plans to permanently increase parking fine charges.

During last August's trial higher rate PCNs were charged along 543 coastal roads from Sandbanks to Southbourne.

The crackdown followed busy weekends in the seaside resorts in June and July, which saw cars parked on double yellow lines and roundabouts.

Previously, residents reported vehicles being abandoned on pavements and blocking fire stations.

The month-long trial saw fees for similar offences raised from £35 to £80 if paid within 14 days.

The council said illegal and irresponsible parking dropped "significantly" during the period.

Findings from that trial were submitted to the Department for Transport in February, at which time BCP Council asked to either implement them on a permanent basis or be granted permission for an extended trial, covering the whole area this summer.

AA spokesperson Luke Bosdet previously said the organisation was concerned the campaign had been applied more generally, resulting in motorists getting fines even when not parked illegally.

Richard Herrett, BCP Council's portfolio holder for commercial operations, destination, and leisure, said: "Illegal parking blights our communities and it only gets worse during the summer.

"But we know that greater powers work: the higher rate fines we trialled last year, after years of asking successive governments to let us, reduced illegal parking and improved public safety.

"Not only do they work – they enjoy significant support, as well.

"Local MPs helped secure the trial, and our residents, businesses, and BCP Council's cross-party overview and scrutiny board support tougher penalties because they know that making these powers permanent would mean safer roads for everyone, every day."