PARKING charges across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will NOT be removed in the run up to Christmas, the council has confirmed. 

Scrapping parking charges would cost the council around £200k in lost income from places such as Bournemouth town centre and other high streets which generate a lot of money for the council. 

Cllr Mike Cox, portfolio holder for finance, said: “The decision to permanently remove free Christmas parking was made last year.

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“Just as everyone is looking at their household budget so too is the council and that means us living within our means.  

“Reintroducing free parking at Christmas would cost the council over £200,000 in lost income which goes towards funding other initiatives.  

“We are pleased to be supporting local businesses to deliver two large-scale, family-friendly Christmas events in Bournemouth and Poole this year, whilst also making a financial contribution to Christchurch Town Council to support the delivery of their Christmas celebrations.” 

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In a decision that was made last Christmas as a permanent choice, parking fees will not be lifted this festive period in all BCP Council owned car parking spaces. 

As reported, many council car park prices saw an average of 20 per cent increase earlier this year. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Now, the price of a parking ticket in Winter Gardens, Richmond Hill, West Hill, Richmond Gardens shopping centre and Avenue Road multi storey car park has gone up from £2.50 for two hours to £2.90. 

A four-hour stay costs £6.90 - a 90p increase. 

“We are open and transparent about the financial challenges the council is facing and that tough decisions will need to be made,” Cllr Cox added. 

“Like all other local authorities this means looking carefully at where the council spends its money. We are the safety net when people need us the most and it’s important, we prioritise services that support our most vulnerable residents, including children and young people. 

“It also means supporting communities including the business sector to see where we can deliver things differently, just as we are doing this coming festive season.” 

The decision could anger business owners across the conurbation, who continue to feel the knock-on effects of the cost of living crisis and rising costs of supplies and bills. 

In Bournemouth, the Christmas markets will be making a return as will Christmas Tree Wonderland funded by the Coastal BID.

Meanwhile in Poole, the Maritime Christmas lights will also be making a return as will the Living Advent Calendar in Christchurch.