The Southbourne and Boscombe Overcliff is one of Bournemouth’s most premium coastal residential areas — a place where residents pay high council tax rates, now increased further under the new double council tax rules. People invest heavily to live here because of the coastline, the community, and the safety and beauty of the surroundings.

But over the past year, a growing number of vans, motorhomes, caravans and converted vehicles have been parking long-term along the Overcliff, often remaining for weeks or even months at a time. What was once a scenic, peaceful stretch of coastline has increasingly become an unmanaged long-stay parking zone.

Despite repeated complaints from residents, BCP Council has not taken effective action to prevent or manage this issue.
This is causing visible and measurable decline in the area:

🚗 Safety concerns, including obstructed views
🚫 Reduced parking availability for residents and visitors
😞 Visual deterioration, harming the appearance of a premium seafront area
🏘️ Loss of community feel, with many residents reporting discomfort walking locally
💰 A decreasing sense of value and fairness, especially while paying premium council tax
📉 Contributing to the wider decline of Bournemouth, which residents are increasingly noting and reporting
Residents who pay premium rates — including the now-doubled council tax on second homes — should not be living in an area where basic management, enforcement, and amenity protection are visibly failing.

This is no longer just a parking issue.
It is about fairness, safety, community, and the responsible stewardship of Bournemouth’s coastline.

 
We, the undersigned, call on BCP Council and Tom Hayes MP to:
1️⃣ Introduce firm, clear parking restrictions on the Overcliff
(e.g., timed bays, overnight parking bans, or a new Traffic Regulation Order)

2️⃣ Implement active enforcement and monitoring
to prevent long-term vehicle camping

3️⃣ Provide a transparent plan and timeline
for restoring safety, order and amenity to the area

4️⃣ And if no action is taken, we will formally request a
Council Tax reduction
for affected roads, reflecting the diminished amenity and decline caused by prolonged inaction

 
BCP Council must not stand by while a premium Bournemouth neighbourhood declines.
Residents deserve a safe, well-managed, and respected community — not neglect.

 
✍️ SIGN THIS PETITION
Your voice is vital in pushing for fairness, safety, and real accountability for the Overcliff.