TRANSPORT chiefs have agreed a raft of controversial parking charge increases across Poole.

Borough of Poole’s transportation advisory group has recommended officials rubber stamp the proposed increases – for resident and non-residential season ticket-holders – in a bid to raise £75,000 for council coffers.

The move comes after the authority agreed, earlier this month, to extend its summer high season for beach car parks throughout the month of October.

It also follows a council move to ‘explore the possibility’ of introducing car parking fees within the borough’s parks.

The latest plans include:

  • Hiking residents beach season tickets from £85 to £110; and from £240 to £310 for non-residents.
  • Increasing residents only permits from £85 to £100 at St Mary’s Road, Green Road & Newfoundland Drive.
  • A rise in Baiter boat launch fees with a season ticket increase from £115 to £150.
  • Part-time workers scratch cards increases from £12 to £15 for a book of five.
  • A rise in district car park season tickets and extending all pay and display charges from 8am to 10pm, instead of 6pm to 7pm.

Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents Association chairman John Sprackling told the Daily Echo: “I think this increase, which is around 13 per cent, is excessive, especially for residents who are already paying council tax.”

Julian McLaughlin, head of transportation services at BOP, said in the report: “Income from car parks is a significant contributor to council incomes although there is often resistance to increases and there is a need to make sure that parking charges are kept at a suitable level to support the vitality of the borough.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, said: “The council faces increasing demands for improved transport and highway provision and income from car parks is an important way of helping to fund these.

“We review our car park charges regularly to make sure that these assets are continuing to support the vitality of the Borough and also contributing to our transportation improvement plans.”

This comes as neighbouring Bournemouth council plans to more than double some of its charges, blaming “severe financial challenges” for the rises.

Summer visitors to the popular Bath Road and Beacon Road car parks would face a charge of £12 for a stay of up to six hours, up from £6.60.

Other hikes include parking on East Overcliff Drive more than doubling for some visitors along with Derby Road and the eastern part of Manor Road, East Overcliff Drive and nearby roads, with Bourne Avenue and adjacent roads rising from £1.70 to £3 for two hours.

“Under the new tariffs, people will be able to park in the town centre for as little as £1.50 for two hours and £3.50 for four hours, meaning our car parks will remain distinctly cheaper than privately operated ones in Bournemouth,” said Cllr Mike Greene, cabinet member for transport.