Dorset Council has kicked off its first comprehensive parking review, scrutinising over 80 council-run car parks and on-street spaces across the county, including Poole. The council is using detailed data for the first time to understand how parking works, with early proposals suggesting a more flexible, town-by-town approach to charges, lower fees for low-emission vehicles, and increased enforcement capacity.
Findings reveal a clear imbalance: some town centre and coastal car parks are frequently full during busy spells, while others often stand largely empty. The council also notes that Dorset has fewer parking enforcement officers than similar councils, which may contribute to unsafe or inconsiderate parking. Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: ‘These findings show a clear imbalance with some town centre and coastal car parks being well-used, particularly in busy periods, while other car parks often remain largely empty.’ The early ideas will be shared with the Place and Resources Overview Committee on 9 July 2026.
This is the first time the council has used detailed data to understand parking habits across the county, building on a survey conducted in late summer 2025 that asked residents for their views on pricing and improvements. National rules mean the focus must remain on keeping traffic moving, boosting safety, and supporting local areas rather than raising income. The review also ties into wider council work to support thriving town centres, improve road safety, and tackle the climate and nature emergency by cutting congestion and improving air quality.
No decisions have been made yet. The council will gather views from town and parish councils, along with business groups, before shaping any future strategy. A more flexible approach to parking charges could see Poole’s charges tailored to local needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all model. Lower fees for low-emission vehicles are also on the table, aiming to encourage cleaner travel. Coastal car parks, which are often packed in summer, could see better use during quieter months to ease pressure on town centre spaces.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
