Bournemouth, Poole | Posted on July 21st, 2026 | return to news

Illegal parking fines to rise across Dorset seafronts in August

From 4–31 August, motorists who park illegally in seafront locations from Sandbanks to Southbourne will face high fines.

People who park their cars illegally in August in seafront locations from Sandbanks to Southbourne will face hefty fines.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s pilot last year reduced illegal parking and improved access on busy routes, and so a second trial is taking place from 4–31 August.

The trial has received approval from the Department for Transport.

The 2025 pilot delivered encouraging results: instead of rising by almost nine per cent as expected, total Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in the trial area fell by nearly seven per cent, which is a 16 per cent swing in the right direction and clear evidence that tougher fines help to change driver behaviour.

During last year’s trial, there were fewer vehicles parking on double-yellow lines, fewer cars obstructing junctions and better access for buses and emergency services.

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure, and Commercial Operations, said: “The inconsiderate, illegal, and dangerous parking we see on our seafront every single summer continues to put people at risk.

“For too long, residents and businesses have had to deal with blocked driveways, obstructed access points and emergency vehicles struggling to get through some of our busiest routes. That is completely unacceptable.

“The evidence is clear: tougher fines work. They cut illegal parking, improve safety and have strong backing from the people most affected — including 59 per cent of residents and 76 per cent of local businesses who gave their feedback to last year’s trial.

“The 2025 results showed these powers work and there was still capacity across our car parks, including those close to beaches and town centres.

“Crucially, higher fines did not deter people from visiting. The BCP area remained as popular as ever, with returning visitors more than doubling year on year and millions of trips made to our area every month.”

During the trial period, higher rate Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be charged along 543 coastal roads.

Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines are set by the government and currently stand at £70 for higher tariff parking offences (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days) and £50 for lower tariff offences (reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days).

During the trial period, parking fines will be increased in the designated trial area to match London rates and will be £160 for higher tariff offences (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days) and £110 for lower tariff offences (reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days).

The fines for towaways will also increase significantly during the trial. They currently stand at £105 for release from Car Pound, £12 for Storage Fee (per day) and £50 for Disposal Fee.

During the trial period, they will increase to match the levels set for London: £280 for release from Car Pound, £55 for Storage Fee (per day) and £100 for Disposal Fee.

The increased PCN fines will be applicable to illegally parked vehicles in both on-street and off-street areas.

Further details about the trial and how to provide feedback is on the council’s website: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/parking-fine-trial.

The number of PCNs issued throughout August 2024 increased by 34 per cent.