Sandbanks drivers face higher parking charges under new BCP Council proposals
BCP Council is proposing higher parking charges across nine roads in Sandbanks and Poole, including a new winter tariff and overnight fees
Drivers visiting Sandbanks could soon face significantly higher parking charges year-round under new proposals being consulted on by BCP Council.
The plans would effect on-street parking across nine roads in Poole, the majority of them on the Sandbanks peninsula, including Salter Road, Panorama Road, Brownsea Road and Haven Road.
Under the proposals, a new winter tariff would be introduced for the first time between November 1st and March 14th. Drivers would pay £1.80 for up to one hour or £3.90 for stays longer than an hour until 10pm.
During the peak season, from mid-March to late-October, the council is proposing a new six-hour tariff costing £19.10, alongside a £25 charge for parking up to 14 hours.
Existing shorter-stay charges would remain unchanged, with motorists paying £3.20 for up to one hour, £6.30 for two hours, £9.60 for three hours and £13.70 for four hours.
Free overnight parking would also end under the plans. Drivers parking between 10pm and 8am would face a £3.50 charge.
According to the council consultation, the changes are intended to help fund essential transport-related services, including home-to-school transport and maintenance of the wider transport network.
But the proposals have already drawn criticism from local councillors and business figures concerned about the impact on visitors and trade during quieter months.
John Challinor accused the council of targeting Sandbanks as an “easy option” for raising additional revenue.
“I doubt they’ve considered the impact these charges will have on local businesses that rely on visitors and staff being able to park in these roads, especially during the off-season when trade is more variable,” he said.
Challinor also argued the council should focus on enforcing existing parking restrictions more effectively rather than introducing new charges.
“Rather than introduce these charges, why does this council not actually enforce parking around the harbour and in Sandbanks car park in the evenings?” he said.
Residents and businesses are being invited to submit feedback before any final decision is made.