DORSET Council's Cabinet has made changes to the way its proposed new evening parking charges will work, including proposals for a new overnight parking permit.

Following feedback, the suggested time restrictions for evening parking (6pm to 10pm) will be removed, replaced with a blanket flat rate of £2.50 to park for any amount of time between 6pm and 8am in any Dorset Council car parks. The new arrangements, subject to public consultation, are proposed to be introduced this summer.

To help residents who may use these car parks overnight in the absence of on-street parking close to their home, it has been proposed that a new permit is introduced that will allow holders to park from 5pm to 9am daily for around £50 a year (TBC).

Overnight parking would also be included with the council's existing Short stay and Flexi stay permits, allowing holders to park overnight free of charge.

The car parks at the Swannery in Weymouth, West Bay Road in West Bay, and Charmouth Road in Lyme Regis will remain on winter rates all year round, as trialled last year.

All other hourly parking charges are planned to increase across the county from 1 April as set out in Dorset Council's 2025/26 budget plans, pending Full Council approval. A review of parking is set to take place in the next 12 months.

It is hoped that an increased take-up of parking permits will result in providing more cost-effective parking. This will give more people the opportunity to visit our towns and beaches, go shopping, visit local attractions, socialise etc. more frequently, to make the most of each permit. The affordability of permits means residents making use of car parks will have more money to spend locally.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said "Nobody wants to see parking charges increase but, with demands on Dorset Council's services increasing while government funding continues to dwindle, we need to deliver a balanced budget that protects the vital services we provide.

"The message is clear – if you live and/or work in Dorset and drive a car, a parking permit will save you money. I strongly urge all drivers to consider how often they need to park and how much they would typically pay per visit, then compare that cost to the price of an annual permit. From a few hours a week to 8+ hours daily, a permit will most likely be cheaper than paying on the day and is easy to sign up for and use too.

"The additional benefits – including the proposed overnight parking – should also have a positive impact on our local economy, with permit holders able to use our car parks more often for far less money, which can instead be spent with local businesses."

Find out more about Dorset Council's parking permits.

Details of the proposed new car parking charges can be found on the Dorset Council website.

(*Prices applicable from 1 April 2025, pending Full Council approval. Current pricing (until 31 March 2025) is £90 for a Short-stay permit, and £290 (£27.50 monthly) for a Flexi stay permit.)