A RESIDENTS' leader has called for a review of Bournemouth's parking policies, claiming that the lack of spaces and high charges are driving visitors away.

David Clutterbuck, chairman of East Cliff Residents' Association, spoke out after hearing that the use of parking meters and residential permits is to be extended in the area.

There are already parking meters on East Overcliff Drive, but the council now wants to put them into Gervis Road, Manor Road, Grove Road, Derby Road South, Meyrick Road and Weston Drive.

Residents without off-street parking would have to pay an annual fee to be allowed to park at no further cost in a metered bay. The council has sent letters out to try and gauge the likely demand for residents' permits before publishing detailed proposals and inviting comments.

But former independent councillor Mr Clutterbuck said: "I'm not happy. It's all impinging on people's liberty to park there. We are a seaside resort and we should provide facilities. We have beautiful beaches and we want people on them.

"We need a complete radical rethink. I would like the council to review its parking policy. It's killing the town centre as far as shopping is concerned and driving people to Castlepoint, which provides plenty of free parking. We have been talking about park and ride for 20 years. Nothing has happened."

Nigel Hedges, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, supported the idea of a review. "One thing people in Bournemouth don't want to do is pay to park," he said. "If all available roads in the town centre are going to be controlled parking zones, it's going to force those who won't pay, or want total flexibility, further and further out of town.

"The chamber doesn't disagree with parking meters. In places like Westover Road and Lansdowne Road, it is beneficial because it creates a churn of cars. But if you start putting meters in areas that aren't near shops, where people would go if they wanted to walk the dog or go to the beach, how are they going to do that in 20 minutes?"

Alison Gandolfi, chairman of the Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association, said most hotels in the area had their own parking. "I think it's more likely to be a problem for day trippers and locals than it is for hotels."

Gerry Bolland, enforcement and parking manager for the council, said: "Residents in the area affected have received a letter advising them of the proposals. A small number of residents who do not have access to off-street parking are being consulted on their views of a residents' permit scheme. By introducing parking meters it will encourage people to park more considerately which will benefit both residents and visitors."