The council has defended itself on higher parking charges for a site next to AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
From Saturday, April 1, visitors to the stadium will no longer pay £1 on the gate to park in the south car park on matchdays.
New charges mean Cherries and away fans could be paying up to £3.50 for a four-hour stay at the stadium.
A spokesman for BCP Council insisted the new charges are in accordance with a licence agreement between themselves and the club.
He added: “This means that from 1st April 2023 standard parking charges will now apply 24 hours a day 7 days a week, including on matchdays.”
To park for up to one hour will cost £1, two hours will cost £1.50, four hours will cost £3.50 and 24 hours will cost £5.
In the summer, these prices will rise further when all parking permits increase by approximately 15 per cent. A four-hour stay will cost £4.
Concern has arisen from people living in the surrounding areas, who are concerned the higher charges will push fans to park their cars on their streets.
The council's spokesman added: “Drivers should note that on matchdays, a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order is in place prohibiting parking from three hours prior to kick-off and three hours after kick-off on several roads close to the stadium.
“These sections of road will be displaying notices to confirm the TTRO.
“Parking Enforcement Officers will operate in these areas on a matchday. We encourage supporters to be considerate to our local residents if parking in nearby roads.
“The stadium is now well served by new sustainable travel improvements, and we would encourage fans to explore the use of these.”
He said there are regular bus services, cycle stands and a Beryl Bikeshare scheme.
A spokesperson for AFC Bournemouth said: “Supporters should note that the South Car Park operates as cashless, with options to pay by mobile, app or phone to the number displayed on the sign.
“In order to pay, supporters should download either the Pay by Phone, Ringo or Just Park app.”
Alternative – and cheaper – parking includes Avonbourne Academy, which is a ten-minute walk from the ground and offers a limited number of free parking with two accessible spaces.
The Sovereign Shopping Centre, approximately a 15-minute walk from the ground, offers multiple accessible parking spaces.
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