New parking regulations proposed by the council could see some parts of Christchurch become a year-round ‘no parking’ zone.
The restrictions in Friars Cliff proposed by BCP Council would apply to most roads between Friars Cliff and Avon Beach, including Seaway Avenue, Avon Run Road and Bure Lane, and would mean visitors to the area would be forced to find parking elsewhere.
As it stands, most of the roads have a single yellow line which allows cars to park there at certain times throughout the year, but the plan would see a year-round parking ban in parts of some roads.
Visitors do have the option to park at BCP council car parks at Steamer Point, Southcliffe Road, Avon Run and Avon Beach.
The proposal has been welcomed by residents of the area, who have frequently expressed concerns about cars parking on their roads.
One resident, Denise, of Seaway Avenue said: “It’s got so much worse. I’ve been here 30 years and when I first came here it was manageable, there were still cars, but it wasn’t like this.
“It’s just madness.
“It shouldn’t be this hard to get into your own home.”
Another resident said: “It’s dangerous for me when I come out of my driveway as there’s such poor visibility with cars parked everywhere.”
Residents are said to be ‘thrilled’ about the proposed regulations, but some fear it won’t entirely discourage people from parking down the roads.
Read more: Mudeford residents call for traffic measures after busy summer
Another neighbour said: “At the minute people aren’t supposed to park here during the summer but they still do.
“If people can’t find a space in one of the car parks, they’ll just come here. They know it’s only a 35 quid fine for a day’s parking, so they just do it.”
Cllr Lesley Dedman, ward councillor for Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe said: “I’m horrified that people do that.
“We need to deter these people. It might mean we have to make the penalties higher.
“But we can’t always work as if people are never going to obey the rules.
“There’s been a real problem with parking in the area, but I know what we’re doing will make things much safer.”
The council will continue to discuss the issues until the consultation concludes on March 25.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel