The AA calls BCP Council’s plans to increase parking fines to London-levels as “unacceptable”
The AA has criticised ‘blanket’ parking fine increase as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council push for a permanent crackdown on offences
A row has erupted between the AA and BCP Council over controversial plans to make higher parking fines permanent across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The dispute follows a trial in August last year that saw Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines increased along several coastal roads.
According to the council, the pilot led to fewer vehicles parked on double yellow lines, less obstruction at junctions and dropped kerbs and improved access for emergency services during one of the busiest months of the year.
The council is now moving through the formal process to establish the higher charges beyond the summer trial, arguing the tougher regime has proved its worth.
But the AA has said it “cannot support” what it describes as a blanket rise to London-level fines.
The organisation’s head of public affairs, Luke Bosdet warned that the policy had not focused squarely on “rogue parking problem areas” and instead had been applied more generally.
As a result, he suggested motorists could risk being unfairly penalised even where parking was not clearly illegal.
“A blanket raising of local parking fines to London levels is unacceptable and doesn’t get our support,” Bosdet said, adding that the proposal risked setting a precedent for other councils outside the capital to follow suit.
Statistics in the council’s own report showed less than a 10% change in parking behaviour during the trial period, a figure the AA believes may be distorted to justify sweeping reform.
With parking charges already high, the organisation argued, further financial penalties may not provide the deterrent effect ministers and town halls hope for.
Councillor Richard Herrett rejected the criticism, insisting the trial, which was approved by the Secretary of State for Transport, had achieved its stated aim.
He accused the AA of “cherry picking” data and said residents were demanding year-round action, particularly around schools where illegal parking is a persistent complaint.
“Making higher rate PCNs permanent would mean safer roads and pavements for everyone, every day,” he said.