Subject to Cabinet approval, residents, businesses and community groups will be invited to provide feedback on proposed changes to Dorset Council’s parking services.

Cabinet is being asked when it meets on Tuesday 10 November to approve a more local approach to parking charges, replacing the current three-tier system with arrangements that reflect individual car parks and the communities they serve. Public and stakeholder engagement will inform any further changes. Cabinet is also being asked to grant delegated authority to the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Place, to agree those changes following engagement.

The proposals follow a review of all 82 council-run car parks, covering more than 11,000 parking spaces.

The review considered parking charges alongside the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. It also examined accessibility, road safety and how parking supports town centres and wider transport priorities.

The proposals cover:

• Measures to reduce congestion and improve parking availability
• Investment in technology, signage and customer service improvements
• Accessibility improvements
• Better parking enforcement to reduce dangerous parking
• Existing permit schemes and resident parking arrangements
• Parking charges and seasonal pricing in areas where demand varies throughout the year
• Introducing charges at some currently free car parks

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, said: “Parking affects almost everyone who lives in, works in or visits Dorset. This review looks at how our car parks operate and what residents, businesses and visitors need from them.

“It is about more than charges. Clearer signage, easier-to-use technology, better accessibility and effective enforcement all matter to people using our car parks.

“We want to understand what the proposed changes would mean for residents, businesses and community groups. Their feedback will inform any further changes made following engagement.”

Parking charges at Dorset Council car parks have not changed for 2026/27. Any changes to parking charges arising from the review will not take effect before April 2027.

The review found significant differences in demand across Dorset. Some town centre and coastal car parks regularly experience high demand, while others have spare capacity.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Communications, Performance and Safeguarding, said: “Different places face different challenges. What works in a busy coastal destination may not be right for a market town or somewhere with spare parking capacity.

“Our approach needs to reflect those differences, support local businesses and help people get to the shops and services they need.

“Managing parking demand more effectively can also help reduce unnecessary traffic, ease congestion and improve air quality. Encouraging cleaner vehicle use is another way parking can help us respond to the climate crisis while supporting economic growth.”

Subject to Cabinet approval, public and stakeholder engagement will begin later in 2026. Feedback will be considered in 2027, with any further changes agreed by the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Place, under the delegated authority. Details of how and when to provide feedback will be published following Cabinet approval.