Dorset Council could bring in evening parking charges
It's thought the plans could damage the night-time economy
Last updated 22nd Jan 2025
Evening parking charges could be introduced across Dorset from April as Dorset Council struggles to balance its budget.
Some areas, mainly the coastal resorts, do have 24-hour fees – but day and evening charging is now being suggested for all council-owned car parks.
The idea has led to claims that the evening charge will damage the night-time economy where evening parking is currently free, as well as place an additional financial burden on residents who have little choice but to use the car parks overnight.
Shaftesbury councillor Derek Beer said the suggested £17.50 weekly charge for evening parking would have a significant effect on residents – an amount which he describes as “a bit steep.”
“The difference it will make to people who live in the towns is significant,” he said.
Cllr Ray Bryan, the previous portfolio holder for highways and parking, said he had problems when trying to introduce an evening charge when the Conservatives were in control because of worries about the effect on night time trade in the market towns, eventually backing down on the suggestion.
Proposals in the budget for 2025-26 suggest a £2.50 flat rate for parking between 6.00pm and 10.00pm in all the council’s tier 1 and tier 2 car parks, with other charges rising by around 2.5% – the two measures likely to bring in an extra £460,000 in the year.
Councillors have also been told of a proposal to keep charges at three resort car parks at the same level as they were during an experimental period over this winter, which had the effect of reducing maximum rates payable from £15 to £10 per day.
The move came after widespread public opposition to the higher winter charges for Weymouth’s Swannery car park and the main car parks at West Bay and Lyme Regis – generating a petition of more than 7,000 people in Weymouth.
Council reports suggest that continuing the lower winter rate for Weymouth’s Swannery car park; West Bay, and Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis would have a £200,000 annual cost in lost revenue, compared to charging throughout the year at the higher rate.
Dorset Council say all the income from its car parks pay for maintenance and improvements to the car parks and helps towards the costs of the county’s road network.
All of the proposals have yet to be agreed with a final decision expected in February.