Evidence from Sandbanks parking fine trial under review
Department for Transport to analyse results from second trial
The trial period for higher parking fines along coastal roads from Sandbanks to Southbourne has concluded, with the Department for Transport (DfT) now set to evaluate the results.
Running from 4th August to 31st August 2026, the trial witnessed a significant increase in Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costs, aligning them with charges seen in London.
With the trial period now over, parking fines have returned to their normal rates.
BCP Council plans to assess enforcement data, operational feedback, and input from the public before presenting their findings to the DfT, which will decide the future course of action.
Impact of Higher Fines
Cllr Richard Herrett, who holds the portfolio for the Seafront, highlighted ongoing issues with parking on seafront roads, stating that these blockages pose risks to residents, businesses, and emergency services.
"The parking behaviour we continue to see on our seafront roads creates real challenges for residents, businesses, visitors, buses and emergency services," Cllr Herrett said.
"Blocked access is not just inconvenient - it can put people at risk."
The first trial indicated that higher fines reduced illegal parking during busy periods; the second trial aimed to gather more insights into fine impacts on driver behaviour.
Feedback and Next Steps
Helen Taverner, Head of Parking Operations and Enforcement at BCP Council, emphasised the importance of public feedback in the decision-making process.
"We are now analysing the latest enforcement data and feedback, alongside the DfT, to understand how the trial has worked and what it tells us," Taverner said.
She encourages the public to submit their feedback on the trial before the closing date on 30th September.
"We will share the results in more detail in the near future and continue to work with the DfT as it considers the next steps."
Evidence from last year's pilot showed a 16% swing in the direction of fewer parking fine issuances, suggesting that higher fines may influence driver behaviour positively.