BCP Council rules out reopening Poole Park gate to motorists despite congestion concerns
The decision to keep Poole Park's Whitecliff gates closed to cars will remain, despite backlash.
BCP Council has rejected renewed calls to reopen the Whitecliff entrance to cars at Poole Park, insisting the closure is helping create a healthier and more accessible park despite concerns over traffic.
The local authority decided back in May 2024 to permanently close the Whitecliff gate to motorists, a move that proved controversial among some residents.
The debate resurfaced after councillors approved £250,000 of active travel improvements earlier this year to enhance walking and cycling links between Poole Park and Broadstone Way, prompting claims the closure was becoming a permanent feature.
At a full council meeting, the leader of Poole Town Council, Xena Dion argued that diverting all vehicles to a single exit had worsened congestion on Parkstone Road, with queues frequently stretching back to George Roundabout.
Cllr Dion continued by warning others that stationary traffic contributed to poor air quality and raised concerns about the difficulties emergency services would have entering the park with only one entrance/exit.
Responding on behalf of BCP Council, Councillor Andy Hadley defended the policy, saying the park should be treated as a recreational space rather than part of the highway network.
“This is a park and not part of the highway,” he said.
Cllr Hadley argued that reducing short car journeys was essential to tackling congestion, improving public health and encouraging more people to walk and cycle.
“We need to protect our parks and open spaces for people to dwell, exercise and enjoy, rather than just to pass through and pollute,” he said.
He added that removing through traffic had made the park safer and more enjoyable for visitors while reducing disturbance to wildlife, including greylag geese during their moulting season.
Addressing concerns over emergency access, Cllr Hadley said police and parks staff would be able to reopen the entrance and direct traffic if a major incident occurred.