RESIDENTS of a popular seaside holiday spot say it is being ruined by parking fees after over 1,000 tickets were given out last year.
The local council is now trying to secure approval to ramp up the charges even more on even the most minor offences.
Officials from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, which covers a sizeable chunk of Dorset, say the tougher sanctions will help eliminate illegal parking.
But locals have shared concerns that the move will drive away the tourists who make a significant contribution to the local economy each year.
They point to the fact that the council already issued over 1,000 tickets in 2023 and allege that the new measures are simply an excuse to hand out more.
Under the proposals, there will be two tiers of parking offences.
Minor infractions will result in a fine of £50, rising to £70 for major rulebreaking.
We are looking at London as an example
Chris Farrant
Both will carry a caveat that the penalty is halved if paid within 14 days.
This is a similar scheme to the band system used in London, which the council say will help drive down parking crimes.
The penalties will be enforced with the help of ANPR cameras, with fines posted to drivers who move their vehicles before a physical fine can be issued.
But one motorist from the area told GB News: “The only deterrent will be that of not coming to Bournemouth at all.
“With very little else there, the parking will be the only talking point.”
Another added: “Have you been to Hampshire lately?
“You will see most of the towns and villages heaving with shoppers and tourists.
“Parking costs roughly half of that in Bournemouth.”
Chris Farrant, the council’s chief executive, said: “We have been campaigning with the Government for some time and we’ve reopened this with the new Government.
“Car parking fines are at a level very similar to that we charge for a full day in the car parks.
“The level two car parking fine is £50 or £25 if paid within 14 days and the top level is £70/35.
“There is a national view looking at the level of fines for parking illegally.
“We are looking at London as an example to see whether that has a deterrent effect.”
It comes after drivers across a major UK city were slapped with a driving ban which could see them issued daily £75 fines.
