Bournemouth, Christchurch, Motoring & Transport, Poole | Posted on June 30th, 2025 | return to news
Councillors and MP bash Bournemouth parking permit proposal
The current BCP administration has confirmed it will not be supporting proposals for a seafront parking permit scheme following negative response from residents.
Plans by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to introduce paid-for parking in seafront areas from Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine, Westcliff, Boscombe and Southbourne have been heavily criticised since their announcement.
The council opened a consultation last week on a proposal to charge for all on-street car parking within 1km of the beach. During the high season from March to October, a day’s parking could cost as much as £26.90. BCP residents would be able to buy annual beach parking permits costing £146 per car per year, while residents outside of BCP would have to pay £436 for each car permit.
The plans have received short shrift from both residents and elected officials.
Local councillor and Deputy Mayor of Bouremouth, Cllr George Farquhar, labelled the scheme a “money grab”. He accused the current council administration of launching a “massive ruse” to raise money directly from the pockets of residents.
Meanwhile, Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, announced on social media that he was opposing the plans. He said: “I oppose the Council’s proposals for new paid parking areas near Boscombe and Southbourne beaches.
“It’s a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The proposals are unworkable, I believe the Council are wrong, and it’ll be local people on lower incomes who feel the impact the most.”
Following the criticism, the leader of BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, confirmed that her administration, the Three Towns Alliance, would not be supporting the plans, meaning they are unlikely to go ahead.
She said: “We do need to find a way to tackle the seasonal issues we see every year when the sun comes out and the simple solution lies with the government in raising the limit on fines.”
Residents have until 1 August to respond to the consultation. Follow this link to take part: https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/seafront-parking-2025.
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