A U-turn by Dorset Council on its plan to introduce parking charges until 8pm in the evening in its car parks has been welcomed by town councils across the Vale.

But they are disappointed there has been no change to the decision to charge on Sundays. Amended proposals were agreed by Cabinet after concerns were expressed by many to the announcement, without consultation, of the extra evening and Sunday charges together with increases in some towns on the coast.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, worked with officers to consider the feedback and change the proposal by withdrawing the evening charges but retaining the Sunday charging, allowing town and parish councils to ask for free days for special events. The changes will now come into effect on February 1, and further amendments to car parking including permits, which have been the subject of a public consultation, will be discussed in the new year.

Cllr Bryan said: “The new changes strike a balance between supporting our town centres and high streets, as well as ensuring charging is fair and can sustain our car parks across the county.”
He thanked councillors and officers who had provided feedback and worked hard to get a result with which he was very pleased.

Gillingham Mayor Barry St Clemens said: “Although we welcome the fact Dorset Council has listened… we are dismayed they will be going ahead with plans to extend charges to Sunday parking.  Our town’s businesses are doing all they can to recover and grow and we are not asking for a handout from Dorset Council but we are looking to be given a fair playing field. Free parking is always a good attraction to people when they are thinking of coming to a town. The addition of Sunday parking charges is definitely not any help to our attempts to rebuild our local economy.”

Blandford town councillors were pleased people who lived and worked in town centres would not be penalised in the evenings, but regretted they would continue to be affected by the Sunday charges. Sherborne Mayor Jon Andrews, also a Dorset councillor, said Sunday charges was an executive and cabinet decision and though he was not happy with it he understands why: “Highways budgets are currently under extreme pressure due to huge deficits that would normally come from parking revenue. The proposal to charge for parking until 8pm was overturned due to pressure from opposition groups.”

Support Us

Thank you all so, so much for the love and appreciation you’ve shown us since we launched the New Blackmore Vale.

Please show your support and add a review on our Facebook page or on Google.