BOURNEMOUTH has been ranked as one of the most expensive places to park among UK cities.

The index, from card payment specialists takepayments, has compiled the average cost of the five council and five private car parks nearest to the main high street or shopping district for one-hour parking during weekdays in the UK’s 20 busiest cities in December 2020.

Bournemouth came in seventh in the analysis of December car park costs in the UK's biggest cities, at £2.44 per hour.

The Dorset town also ranked fourth most expensive private car parks per hour, with an average of £4.10 per hour.

London and Edinburgh top the list of the most expensive council car parks whilst London’s private car parks also soar above the rest at £11 an hour on average.

Sandi Rowley at takepayments Limited said: “Cost friendly parking has always played an integral part in people’s commuting and leisure decisions.

“It now plays a crucial part in helping businesses back on their feet from the pandemic and closures.

“Council parking has offered reasonable prices whilst private parking owners operate at an elevated cost in most cases.

“Businesses still need further support from councils to help reinvigorate the high street and parking incentives should be a priority, according to the businesses that are suffering from the effects of two national lockdowns.”