Car Parking Charges

Keeping car parking charges reasonable in tourist areas to encourage visitors and support local trade.  Very interesting to see if the reduced charges at West Bay have an impact.

Why the contribution is important

Supporting local business.

by clipclop on July 18, 2024 at 01:44PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.8
Based on: 14 votes

Comments

  • Posted by LindaS July 27, 2024 at 09:49

    Living in Weymouth I've spoken to visitors who expressed they find parking charges in location close to the beach expensive, it reduces the amount of money they spend in local businesses, how long they stay. The park and ride needs reviewing with the current bus service providers insisting people walk to a bus stop many have items for their family, the bus stops at the Kings Statue, increasing the service to the Pavillion as an end stop would increase footfall to the harbour this would relieve the amount of traffic which at three pm results in gridlock as cars leave Pavillion carpark

  • Posted by Mattius_Rose July 28, 2024 at 07:52

    This is not a way to promote tourism by itself but it is a sure fire way to kill it if prices are too high.
    So it is an important part of the plan and we need more initiatives alongside to encourage more visitors to come, come back, and spend longer, in tourist areas.

  • Posted by Squawky1 July 30, 2024 at 19:42

    Car parking chrges are silly in a lot of places. My sick elderly aunt and uncle live in Swanage and the tourists park in their road which means I am driven to use the car park and have to pay silly money just to see my housebound relatives which is grossly unfair. Locals need to use car parks all year round and we do just avoid the expensive ones or go out of town to shop which is a shame but we live here and while some places are ok for parking charges others are just plain silly. Yeocil has free parking in most car parks on Sunday so we go there instead.

  • Posted by Sunny August 08, 2024 at 10:23

    Weymouth parking charges are too expensive, daughter chose not to get a summer job when home from uni in town due to the cost of parking each day. I too avoid staying in for long due to the parking chrarges whereas I used to stay 2-3 hours (and spend more) now i always do 1 hour.

  • Posted by WyndhamOak August 08, 2024 at 18:28

    Parking charges need to be considered county wide. Many rural towns have parking charges that discourage people accessing the high streets because they don’t want to pay a extortionate price for casually accessing local areas. A county wide strategy is required that balances local needs against raising funds from tourism. Perhaps a permit system for locals so they are penalized for accessing their own local areas. There is a balance to be had between the direct revenue generated by parking charges versus the economic impact they have by discouraging movement of people

  • Posted by crogers August 08, 2024 at 19:00

    We have moved from Hampshire and are surprised by the car parking charges and amount of them! In southampton in areas where there are local businesses the car parks are free for one hour and then start at around 50p. Where the chain stores are you pay for parking start at £3.00.

    Going for walks as well we are using books that recommend walks and car parks all charge! Sure way to stop tourism and walking.

  • Posted by Colehill155 August 08, 2024 at 19:19

    Low car park charges should be in place everywhere, not just for tourists

  • Posted by DrLizzy August 08, 2024 at 19:48

    Difficult to see how one could disagree.

  • Posted by tsabbots August 09, 2024 at 13:50

    Parking charges are already reasonable in Dorset compared to similar locations where demand is high and land is expensive. The high cost of other forms of transport, which help ease congestion and leave more parking spaces for those who have to drive is more of an issue. E.g. the train from Yeovil to Weymouth for a family of 4 is £30. The £2 fare on buses helps but it's still £8 for two adults to bus into town and back - if they're lucky enough to have a bus service.

  • Posted by residentX August 13, 2024 at 23:53

    Cheaper parking will encourage locals and tourists to stay longer. Or at least give locals reduced rates. Pricing should be the same countywide.

  • Posted by portlandcarer August 24, 2024 at 20:33

    Parking brings in a good income however it has been set unfairly to penalise tourists and in turn deters locals from certain towns. Weymouth in particular is suffering from locals parking and although tourists will pay you have killed the local trade as locals will go else where . In the long run you need locals to keep all year trade . A local permit may be sensible ro keep tourist parking , but encourage locals who shop local , keep business going and increase income to the traders.

  • Posted by Murdo55 August 26, 2024 at 15:21

    I think there should be free parking for blue badge holders who use car parks, this imo, will stop 'holders' parking where ever they want, sometimes blocking entrances.

  • Posted by Lorry123 September 11, 2024 at 17:21

    Think there should be a permit to park in any Dorset Council car park. Think elderly may use and generate income beyond their local area to help the economy. Also feel libraries should become community hubs to promote Beryl bikes, library service, art and craft etc. some options could allow local communities to see skillset available locally.

  • Posted by Dorset37 September 14, 2024 at 21:55

    I live in a small Dorset town where the residents drive *everywhere* - even to the shop within sight of their house. With no other tools to limit car use, car parking charges are the only leverage. How about the same charges for 1 hour as for 4 hours to discourage all those short journeys? And use the money to improve public transport (I speak as a volunteer bus driver - which should be a paid job for someone)
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