Stop BCP Council from Introducing Coastal Parking Fees in Bournemouth & Poole!

To Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council
From: Concerned Residents and Visitors of Bournemouth and Poole

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose BCP Council’s proposal to introduce parking fees along Bournemouth and Poole coastline.

Our beaches are one of the last free, accessible spaces for locals to enjoy — a vital part of life in Bournemouth. By introducing parking fees, BCP is not just monetizing a natural public space — it’s ignoring the real issue: the serious lack of parking infrastructure along our coast.

This isn’t about avoiding a small fee — it’s about fairness, access, and priorities.

Why we oppose this decision:
The core issue is not the cost — it’s the chronic shortage of parking spaces. Locals already struggle to find spots, especially during peak times. Adding charges without adding spaces just worsens the problem.
Our coastline is one of the few free things left to enjoy — especially important for families, young people, and those on lower incomes.
Parking fees will not solve congestion or demand — they will simply push the problem into residential areas and make spontaneous visits more difficult.Those with mobility challenges or limited transport options will be unfairly penalized, cutting them off from the coast entirely.
Local businesses could suffer if coastal footfall drops due to new barriers being introduced.
Instead of charging residents more, BCP Council should invest in smarter, more inclusive parking solutions and work with the community to address the actual infrastructure gaps.

We call on BCP Council to:

Scrap the proposed coastal parking fees
Acknowledge the need for better parking access, not just price tags
Preserve free and fair access to our coastline for all
Don’t make our beaches a luxury! Don’t punish locals for infrastructure failings! New Carparks need to be built! Not price tags!

KEEP THE COAST FREE AND ACCESSIBLE.

Sign and share this petition to stand up for common sense, local rights, and our shared seaside spaces.

Make sure to make your contribution on the official BCP site by following link below. This petition will be used to back up our voices opposing this new move! Tourists come, park illegally and pay a fine for one day that will be less than a monthly permit for us living here permanently!

https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/seafront-parking-2025

These are the fees that could face us soon’ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area 1 Proposed charges - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area 2 proposed Charges -