Bournemouth, Motoring & Transport | Posted on February 18th, 2026 | return to news

Tougher enforcement powers reduces illegal parking across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

A trial implemented in August last year proved to be successful and the council is asking the Government for the powers to be made permanent.

Illegal parking across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been a huge problem in recent years, particularly during the summer months.

At its peak, illegal and irresponsible parking across  the conurbation saw  more than 4,000 Penalty Charge Notice (PCNs) handed out across  just three weekends.

However, a trial of higher PCN fines – implemented in August 2025 – has proved to be successful.
The  findings  which have been shared with the  Department  for Transport (DfT)  demonstrate  strong public support  for  continuing the tougher  measures that  kept busy  coastal routes  moving last summer.

BCP Council is now asking Government to grant long-term approval for the powers to be made permanent.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “Illegal parking blights our communities. It blocks roads, obstructs pavements, and prevents people with disabilities, parents with pushchairs, and emergency services from moving safely and freely.

“For years we’ve been calling on government for stronger powers to tackle this behaviour, and with the support of our local MPs we’ve been able to trial an approach that clearly demonstrates the need for permanent change.

“The results of the trial speak for themselves: stronger enforcement powers reduce illegal parking, improve safety, and are strongly backed by residents.

“With the technology and infrastructure already in place from the trial we are ready to make this permanent which is why we’re asking the Government to allow us  to do just that – ensuring this sort of behaviour is properly deterred going forwards.”

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “The report  clearly  shows  that greater powers work and prompt a shift in behaviour: – with less  illegal parking,  shorter journey times, and more  than enough parking spaces  just a short walk away from the beach.

“Making these powers permanent would mean safer roads for everyone, every day: keeping our communities accessible and traffic moving more freely.”

Illegal and irresponsible parking dropped significantly  during the  trial period – falling by nearly seven per cent instead of the,  independently-modelled, expected rise  under normal conditions.

The most notable change in  behaviour came  in areas that matter most  to residents; fewer vehicles  parking on  double-yellow lines; fewer cars obstructing  junctions  and dropped kerbs and better access for buses and  emergency services.

These improvements kept  busy  roads moving – meaning less congestion, shortened journey times, and safer roads for everyone.

BCP Council says higher fines didn’t put people off visiting the coast with millions of  trips made to  towns and beaches  and returning visitors more than doubling year on year/  There was more than enough spare capacity at car parks just a short walk from the beach on every day throughout the summer.

The implementation of higher parking fines is backed by the public with 59 per cent of residents supporting the increased rates alongside 76 per cent of business.

Last year’s  trial  went ahead  following approval from the DfT,  after years of lobbying from the Council,  with a one-month period  permitted  on select coast roads.

During the trial period, parking fines increased in the designated trial area to £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 were increased from £105  for release from car pound to £280.

A  separate executive summary will be discussed by  Councillors  at BCP Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 23 February and Cabinet on 4 March.