Bournemouth, Motoring & Transport, Poole | Posted on August 1st, 2025 | return to news

New parking fines to be trialled in Bournemouth

Drivers along Bournemouth’s seafront risk much higher fines for illegal parking in August.

Misbehaving drivers will face much steeper parking fines in Bournemouth this month, as the council trials a new set of tough measures to tackle irresponsible and dangerous parking. 

The trial comes after the government’s Department for Transport gave permission to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s request to test whether higher fines will act as a deterrent to illegal, dangerous or inconsiderate parking in busy seafront areas during the high season.

BCP Council made the request after its proposal for new on-street parking permits were criticised by residents, councillors and local MPs.

Bad parking is rife across Bournemouth’s seafront during the summer months. Across BCP’s three busiest weekends (21–22 June, 28–29 June, and 12–13 July) a total of 4,123 Penalty Charge Notices were handed out to illegally parked motorists.

However, illegal parking fines are set by central government and are capped at £70, or £35 if paid withing 14 days. But critics argue that this fine is no longer a deterrent.

During the trial, the fines for bad parking anywhere between Sandbanks to Southbourne will be more than doubled to £160, or £80 if paid within 14 days.

Similarly, the fees for releasing a towed car have been increased. Previously, bad drivers had to pay £105 to release their vehicle from the car pound, £12 per day for storage, and a £50 disposal fee. But now these have been increased to £280, £55, and £100 respectively.

Following the one-month trial, the Department for Transport will assess the results and feedback from the trial and decide on whether higher fines could be rolled out across the country.

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure, and Commercial Operations, said: “For too long, illegal and dangerous parking along our seafront roads has put lives at risk, obstructed emergency and resident access, and undermined the safety and enjoyment of our coastal spaces. This is not just a matter of inconvenience—it’s a public safety issue we can no longer ignore. 

“This trial is about seeing if tougher penalties will have an impact and stop people from parking irresponsibly along our seafront. Our goal is to make the area safer and easier to access for everyone who lives here and visits our beautiful area. 

“It is also important that we get everyone’s feedback on the trial, so I urge everyone – residents, visitors and businesses – to fill in the short form on our website to let us know what you think.”

The trial has been welcomed by local MPs, including Bournemouth East Labour MP Tom Hayes who lobbied the government to allow the trial to go ahead. He said: “I opposed the council’s initial proposals for blanket seafront charges, because I felt they were heavy-handed and unfair for residents.

“Higher fines, in comparison, are a more targeted solution. I believe this is a better and more measured approach. It will tackle the real problem of dangerous, illegal parking without punishing those who visit responsibly.”