COUNCILLORS in Ferndown have continued their campaign against "unfair and unreasonable" parking charge increases for East Dorset.

The proposals suggest raising the price for short stay parking in Ferndown and Wimborne by 10p.

Wimborne could also see the introduction of a 50p overnight charge, with additional changes to parking permits in the district.

The public consultation for the plans was launched by East Dorset District Council on Tuesday October 24.

County, district and town councillor Steve Lugg spoke out against the proposals prior to the consultation and has once again voiced his objections.

Cllr Lugg says he has no issue with parking charges, but is unable to accept the proposals which he believes are not fair and equal for residents across East Dorset.

He adds a fair process would be spreading the cost across all EDDC car parks, collecting the required maintenance fees through general taxation or devolving the facilities to local councils.

"This allows each community to have a conversation about how fees in car parks are best dealt with, using local knowledge and local conditions. This is obviously fair and reasonable," Cllr Lugg says.

"Or you can raise charges for some residents, and allow others to have free parking. This is obviously unfair and unreasonable.

"To try and pretend Verwood is a village, is insulting to the mayor and town council, and to the many businesses retailing the town centre."

Cllr Lugg also says the council is being left vulnerable to judicial review over making a profit from car parking fees.

East Dorset District Council says it is not illegal to make a profit from off-street car parking charges and any money raised is used to support the other services the council provides.

Fellow district and town member Julie Robinson has also written to East Dorset District Council.

Cllr Robinson says she does not support the proposals, which include objections to the plans to charge for tax exempt disability permits.

"Myself and residents will be asking why this is not covered in our council tax charges as we pay enough," Cllr Robinson says.

"This whole process is unfair and should include all towns and villages in the east. What constitutes a town, answers please?

"And as for our disabled residents who are tax exempt - I am one of them - paying for a parking permit, I don’t think so.

"I’m not going to stand back and see my residents shafted, yet again."

Lindsay Cass, head of property and engineering at East Dorset District Council, said: “The council’s policy is to only charge in car parks in Ferndown and Wimborne Minster.

"This is based on an understanding that these are the only locations in the East Dorset district where there is a recognisable town centre.

"There is also a need to encourage the ‘churning’ of parking spaces in these town centres, which benefits the local businesses.

"There is a significant difference between the shopping and cultural facilities in the vicinity of our car parks in Ferndown and Wimborne Minster with those in Corfe Mullen, Verwood and West Moors, which is why we do not charge for parking in these areas.”