The towaway service to combat illegal and disruptive parking during the peak summer season is set to be beefed up by BCP Council.

Since the chaos caused by irresponsible drivers when restrictions were eased in the summer of 2020, the council has had the power to remove nuisance vehicles.

The ‘trial’ towaway programme for the past three years has had a degree of impact, however, council officers have admitted there were challenges.

The local authority has now carried out a tender to deliver the immobilisation, removal and clamping of illegally parked vehicles from next month through to May 2026.

The three-year agreement is worth between £150,000 and £166,960 although the contractors can also charge vehicle owners a storage fee.

Up to four contractors could be appointed, with work distributed according to which operator is closest and, or, who at the time is able to respond quickest.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We know that irresponsible parking can have a significant impact on our communities, residents and businesses.

“The tow away service, in conjunction with other deterrents such as penalty charge notices issued by our parking team, discourages drivers from parking in contravention, especially during peak periods.

“This supports our residents, bus services, emergency services and local businesses by helping to keep the road network clear.

“Drivers will be aware that should they park in contravention there is a risk of their vehicle being towed away.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Between April and August last year, the council said 63 attempts were made to tow away illegally parked vehicles, with 35 being successful. This was down on 42 removals in the same period during 2021.

A report by senior council officers reviewing the 2022 seasonal response said: “Challenges relating to towing centred around contractor availability as well as safe access and exit points for towing during peak demand periods.

“This year also saw an increase in threatening and aggressive behaviour directed at contractors which resulted in a reluctance from the contractor to continue to provide the service. This was addressed; however, the removal of vehicles was impacted by this issue and the constraints noted.”

Last year also saw the council instruct tow trucks to be stationed in locations as a visual deterrent at nuisance parking hot spots.

The report said officers were aiming to increase the capacity to tow away by procuring additional providers for this summer.