"INCONSIDERATE" parking in Boscombe is causing issues for bus services with drivers also urged not to block emergency vehicles. 

Bus operator Morebus said last week services had been faced 'significant delays' as a result of bad parking. 

On Thursday, August 10, the Breezer 80 service between Hoburne and Alum Chine was left unable to operate from Hoburne to Bournemouth as a result of the delays. 

Mike Freeborn, Morebus area operations manager, said: "We routinely have issues at Boscombe Pier when the weather is sunny, due to inconsiderate parking upon approach to this area.

"Vehicles also block access to our stop by the roundabout, queuing for parking spaces along the seafront which are already filled.

"Due to this location being effectively a dead-end, the roads soon get heavily congested - resulting in significant delays to our services.

“We politely ask those visiting the area to think carefully about access and parking when deciding to arrive in their cars - and to consider more sustainable forms of travel.

"Our open top Beach Breezer 70 and 80 buses serve this location on a regular basis, along with our 99 Boscombe Circular service which we operate in conjunction with BCP.

"This helps take the stress out of the journey - and a single ticket is only £2.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "In an emergency, every second that the emergency services are delayed could have serious, life threatening consequences.

"We are asking drivers to think when they are parking and ask themselves the question: ‘Are we getting through?’"

Councillor Andy Hadley for climate response, environment and energy said: “We kindly ask residents and visitors to avoid parking on Boscombe Pier at any time in accordance with the restrictions we currently have in place. We carry out regular parking patrols in this area with vehicles at risk of being towed away if they are blocking the road.

“These restrictions are in place to minimise congestion, ensure bus services can operate effectively and emergency services can get through, as well as keeping people safe.

“At very busy times, when the Undercliff Car Park is full, the council may take the decision to close Sea Road at its junction with The Marina to all traffic except buses, as per the traffic order that is in place.”