BCP Council is calling on the Government to make tougher parking enforcement powers permanent after a trial scheme cut illegal parking and eased congestion across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Council leader Millie Earl has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, to lobby for tougher enforcement powers that better deter illegal, dangerous, and irresponsible parking.
The month-long trial, introduced along busy coastal routes in August 2025, saw higher Penalty Charge Notices issued to motorists parking dangerously or irresponsibly.
Council leaders say the results proved stronger enforcement works, with illegal parking falling by nearly 7% despite expectations of a rise.
Officials say blocked junctions, double-yellow line offences and obstructions affecting buses and emergency services all dropped during the trial period.
Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for commercial operations, destination, and leisure, said illegal parking ‘blights communities’ and puts safety at risk.
The authority has now submitted its findings to the Department for Transport and is urging ministers to approve the measures permanently.
