Bournemouth, Business | Posted on October 13th, 2026 | return to news

Parking concerns for Bournemouth businesses

Representatives spoke about the loss of parking spaces, the positioning of bus stops, illegal parking and enforcement.

Businesses in Bournemouth’s Upper Christchurch Road are not happy about their parking availability. More than 15 businesses met senior Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole (BCP) Council councillors and officers at Sharkeys on Tuesday, 29 September.

Attending were Cllr Andy Hadley, Cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy; Cllr Richard Herrett, Cabinet member for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations; Cllr Andy Martin, Cabinet member for Customer, Communications and Culture; Amena Matin, director of Investment and Development; and Richard Pincroft, head of Transportation.

Representatives from the businesses spoke openly about the loss of parking spaces, the positioning of loading bays and bus stops, illegal parking and enforcement, and how the changes had been consulted on and communicated. BCP representatives agreed to consider the suggestions raised, including potential compromises on parking and loading, a review of enforcement practices, and a look at how the consultation was run. The businesses are now awaiting the council’s response.

Tom Rogers, business liaison officer at Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “It was good to bring together businesses from across upper Old Christchurch Road with BCP’s decision-makers. It gave them the chance to share their experiences of the recent road changes directly with the people responsible for transport and the wider town centre.

“Being able to get the right people round the same table is one of the most valuable things a BID can do. It gives our businesses a voice and a real opportunity to influence decisions that affect them.

“We’re grateful to the councillors and officers who came, listened and agreed to consider what businesses put forward.”

Cllr Herrett said: “I’d like to thank the Town Centre BID for convening the meeting and giving us the opportunity to meet all the businesses and hear their concerns.

“We have committed to consider carefully the issues that have been raised and to come back with a full response as soon as possible.

“The Council has to balance the needs of all residents and businesses, we recognise the role the business community in Old Christchurch Road plays in the vibrancy and success of the town centre and we want to do what we can to support them.”