Dorset Council has had a rethink on changes to car parking charges.

Town and parish councils were unhappy about the proposal to extend charges up until 8pm and so the Cabinet has agreed that they should remain at 6pm.

Charges for Sunday parking remain, but town and parish councils can ask for free days for special events.

The current free parking arrangements for NHS and Care Workers will remain in place until midnight on Thursday 31 December. This is provided they are on duty and displaying a relevant permit or they have registered with Dorset Council.

Also agreed was an increase in the all-day charge from £2 to £8 in Lyme Regis and West Bay. This will be a graduated charge as in Weymouth.

The changes will come into effect on 1 February. Further changes to car parking arrangements – including resident and shoppers permits – will also be discussed in the New Year.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said, “We have listened to the concerns around the changes to car parking arrangements and amended our recommendations accordingly. I feel that the new changes strike a balance between supporting our town centres and high streets, as well as ensuring charging is fair and can sustain our car parks across the county. I’d like to thank the many councillors and officers who have provided feedback and worked hard to get this result, which I am very pleased with.”

There is free Christmas parking for shoppers both this Saturday and next (12 and 19 December) in Dorset Council car-parks.