4 days ago
Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer ‘chaos'
BRITS living in a seaside town will be at risk of huge parking fines this summer.
Bournemouth MPs have promised to take action against cars parked illegally following growing frustration from residents.
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The one-month trial will run throughout August and will target motors parked on pavements, roundabouts, and driveways.
Under the scheme, parking fines will be drastically increased, and the prices for clamping, towing and vehicle storage will soar to London rates.
The town has a population of around 500,000, of whom the fines will affect.
Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: 'This is something I've fought for and only Bournemouth is getting a shot at a trial.
"Higher fines will help to tackle the chaos we face every summer.'
Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, added: 'I've been working with the government to give BCP Council greater powers to tackle the ongoing problems of illegal parking across Bournemouth – especially in the town centre and near the beaches.
'I know it's been an issue for many residents, and while it's been good to see the council taking action against selfish and irresponsible parking, the fines were minimal.
'That changes now. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who I recently met with in Branksome and raised this issue with, has today given BCP Council permission to trial increased Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) this summer.'
Mr Hayes added: 'The parking fine fee has been capped for 20 years and it's frustrating for everyone.
"After years of being forgotten in Parliament, the government is listening.
'I've fought our town's corner behind-the-scenes and persuaded the government to ease the pressure on our roads this summer.'
Leader of the BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, said that she welcomes the battle against 'irresponsible' parking.
She said that the council has been pushing for this scheme for over six years.
Cllr Earl said: 'Even at our busiest last weekend, there were enough parking spaces within a short walk of the seafront across our three towns and when visitors make a choice to park illegally, we know that residents, and responsible visitors, want us to take robust enforcement action.
'During our three busiest weekends of the year we have issued more than 4,000 penalty charge notices to drivers who disregard parking restrictions for the sake of a shorter stroll to the beach.
'We want to encourage and support visitors to our wonderful area but just ask them to consider the safety of others when parking; and a level of fines that reflects the true costs of patrolling and enforcing will help us to do this."
This is an issue that plagues holiday hotspots across the UK across the summer months as city-dwellers head to the beach for a much-needed break.
One of the most common complaints from residents in coastal towns is visitors parking across driveways, on double yellow lines, and in resident-only zones without permits.
In places like Cornwall, Dorset, and parts of North Wales, local councils have reported a sharp rise in complaints and fines issued during the summer holiday period.
In some towns, emergency vehicles have even struggled to get through narrow streets due to cars parked on corners and pavements.
For residents, the inconvenience is more than just a nuisance—it can mean being blocked in for hours or denied access to their own homes.
Many councils have stepped up enforcement in recent years, with increased patrols and mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) units.
However, overstretched resources and a lack of available parking alternatives mean that the problem persists.
