Council proposes new evening car parking charges

Evening parking charges could be introduced by a local authority to help it balance its budget.

Dorset Council's proposals would see vehicles charged a flat rate of £2.50 to park in the authority's car parks between 18:00 and 22:00.

Some areas, mainly the coastal resorts, already have 24-hour fees, but the new plans would see evening fares expanded to all council-owned car parks.

Critics say the plan could damage the night-time economy, and place an extra financial burden on residents.

Shaftesbury councillor Derek Beer said the suggested £17.50 weekly charge for evening parking was "a bit steep", and would have an effect on residents.

"The difference it will make to people who live in the towns is significant," he said.

Ray Bryan, who was previously responsible for parking under the council's former Conservative administration, said he had backed down from introducing a similar plan because of worries about the effect on night-time trade in the market towns.

Under Dorset Council's proposals set out in its 2025-26 budget, other car parking fees would increase by about 2.5%.

The report suggests the two measures could bring in an additional £460,000 in revenue.

All income generated by council-run car parks is used to pay for maintenance and improvement works on the sites and helps towards the costs of the county's road network, Dorset Council said.

Meanwhile, the budget also sets out plans to keep charges at three resort car parks at the same level as they were during an experimental period over this winter.

The scheme - which came after widespread opposition to increased charges at car parks in Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis - reduced maximum rates payable at three car parks in the towns from £15 to £10 per day.

All of the proposals have yet to be agreed by the council, with a final decision expected in February.

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