Thousands could be hit with higher parking fees (Image: Getty)
Thousands of drivers are set to be hit with higher charges in this part of the country within weeks. with increased parking rates from April 3, 2025 just weeks after members of the public called for a change to the proposals.
The new fees are higher by between 50p an hour to £30 more for a day’s parking. had paused a planned introduction of evening and overnight parking after backlash. However, night-time parking charges will remain in place across many parts of the county under the new rules coming into effect in just over two weeks.
Motorists in Dorset could be caught out (Image: Getty)
many of the new charges were roughly in line with inflation.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, stressed that parking fees would also rise due to a reduction in Government funding.
The Councillor encouraged individuals to apply for a parking permit which could help locals save on the new rates.
Mr Andrews explained: “We are all feeling the pressure of continued rising costs, including the council.
DON’T MISS [COMMENT]
“With the increasing demands on council services, the ongoing reduction in government funding, and rising inflation, our parking tariffs will increase from 3 April to meet these challenges and continue to support our highways responsibilities.
“Our permits offer a money-saving way to pay for parking. For example, if you work in Dorchester five days a week 48 weeks of the year, with our Flexi Stay permit your parking would work out at £1.28 a day compared to £6.30 a day without a permit.”
The Council has stressed the maximum charge for cars and other standard-sized vehicles will be £15.80 per day.
Fees will run between 8am and 6pm, before it is free to park overnight.
However, Dorset Council stresses that an exception is in place in Chesil with a private agreement in place.
This would see motorists charged up to £20 to stop during a 24-hour period.
Charges over £30 will also be issued for vehicles longer than 4.8 metres. This can include motorhomes, coaches, lorries or vehicles towing a trailer.