Car parking survey open until September

County Hall staff are probably bracing themselves for an onslaught after an invitation to comment on parking across Dorset.

Previous changes have led to a 7,000-plus petition in Weymouth, followed by a change in parking fees at The Swannery car park and complaints from Lyme Regis about the unfairness of higher charges at coastal resorts.

The authority has also backed down on night-time and overnight charges for some areas after complaints that it would decimate the night-time economy in some areas.

Inland towns and villages, notably Wimborne, have complained about fees where on-street parking is limited, often forcing drivers to pay for parking overnight in public car parks.

Now Dorset Council is preparing to open itself to comment as it starts work on a new parking policy.

In the coming month car park and street parking users will be asked to join in a survey which the council says will guide its next steps.

Said Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services: “This review is about making sure our parking services are fair, accessible and fit for the future. We want to hear from as many people as possible to help us understand what’s working well and where we can do better.

“Your feedback will directly influence how we manage parking across the Dorset Council area, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey.”

Specific areas being looked at include what residents think of the three-tier system, broadly broken down into the highest fees for resort towns; market towns and village and country locations; awareness about parking permits which the council has consistently pointed out can save money, but where the take-up has been less than anticipated; the experience of resident-only, evening and overnight parking and suggestions for improvement including more EV charging points, permit flexibility and signage.

Dorset Council say the review will cover all 117 council-operated car parks and on-street parking areas, including resident zones, coastal destinations and town centres.

A Council spokesperson that the review also supports Dorset Council’s wider goals, including reducing carbon emissions, supporting the local economy and improving road safety and accessibility.

The survey does not include issues which residents have raised over the years including lighting levels, with many places including Dorchester’s main car park opposite Brewery Square having virtually none; the availability of public toilets; disabled access and cycle parking facilities.

Dorset Council has said, in the past, that income from car parks is not ‘profit’ but pays for car park maintenance and improvements and is a major contributor to the overall highways budget.

The survey is open until Thursday 4 September, and can be completed online at: consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/c-e/parking-survey