'Inconsiderate' parking causes division in Poole Old Town

Cars, which some say are too wide, are being parked in roads around Poole Old Town and buses are from time to time struggling to continue their routes. 

The route one bus was recently blocked in High Street and Orchard Plaza and surrounding stops were not able to be served.  

However, one business owner in the Old Town, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was “vital” cars can park in the high street. 

A car with a parking fine in High Street, Poole (Image: Daily Echo)

“I have seen incidents where buses struggle to get passed,” he said. 

“Having said that it’s vital people continue to use their cars freely – I'm happy with the rules as they are. If you park like an idiot, you get fined.” 

Shopper Elizabeth Bray said cars having access to all roads was “handy” but added “it would be quite nice if there wasn’t so many around”. 

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She added: “It’s a really nice area here and the cars do somewhat ruin the appearance.” 

Richard Wade, Morebus general manager, said: “From time-to-time, usually in the evening, we find that our buses attempting to use Lower High Street between Old Orchard and Castle Street, in order to serve the bus stop get stuck.   

Parking in High Street, Poole (Image: Daily Echo)

“This is almost always caused by inconsiderate car drivers who park opposite one another without thinking about how a larger vehicle would fit through.  

“Often, a car driver will reappear from a nearby shop after a period, but only after inconveniencing our customers and those queuing behind us.  

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“If a bus can't get through, neither can a fire engine. Obstructing the highway is an offence, and I urge car drivers to consider that a larger vehicle needs more room than they do.”  

High Street, Poole (Image: Daily Echo)

Poole Town ward councillor Mark Howell said: “There are plenty of patrols and I think the wardens are quite good at picking people up, but it does only take one person to delay a bus. 

“One thing that is interesting is that cars don’t fit into the spaces because they are too wide. People are buying wider and wider cars and that is leaving them hanging over into the road – this may be the issue here. 

“The wardens are doing a good job in a difficult situation and it is important we find a way of getting people onto buses.”