Free evening and overnight parking axed by council

A council has voted to introduce a charge for evening and overnight parking.

Currently, car parking is free after 18:00 in nearly all of Dorset Council's car parks.

The authority's cabinet approved a flat £2.50 charge from the summer, as well as plans for a new annual overnight permit.

Councillor Jon Andrews, in charge of Place Services, said the extra income was necessary to pay for other services.

The Liberal Democrat said: "Nobody wants to see parking charges increase but, with demands on Dorset Council's services increasing while government funding continues to dwindle, we need to deliver a balanced budget that protects the vital services we provide."

Melcombe Regis councillor Jon Orrell told the cabinet meeting: "Night-time charges will hit evening business in my area and they're already struggling as it is."

The Green Party member said many car parks would also see 5% fee increases from April.

Labour councillor Kate Wheller, representing Rodwell and Wyke, told the meeting she was concerned people might not be able to afford permits.

The new £2.50 charge would apply between 18:00 and 08:00.

The overnight permit, allowing parking between 17:00 and 09:00, would cost about £50 a year, it was proposed.

The council also urged residents to consider buying short-stay or flexi-stay permits, which would include overnight parking.

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