Dorset residents are being asked for their views on a new parking permit.
The permits would provide a money-saving, convenient and cash-free way to park in Dorset Council-owned car parks around the county.
Residents in the former West Dorset District Council area have been able to purchase permits for several years. All Dorset residents are now being asked if this should be extended across the Dorset Council area, or if the existing scheme should be brought to a close.
It is estimated the cost to Dorset Council for the permits would be at least £50,000 per year (administration and reduced parking revenue). However, with many town centres struggling due to COVID-19, the introduction of shopper’s permits could encourage people to visit their local towns more frequently.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Western Dorset residents been able to purchase shoppers permits for several years, and we are asking people across the county if this is something they’d also like to benefit from.
“Offering residents a convenient and cost-saving way to park would encourage them to shop locally, supporting businesses and breathing life back into our high streets at a time when many shops are struggling.
“However, it could have a financial impact on the council through reduced revenue and administration charges, and we want to know how people feel about this too. Please give us your thoughts by taking part in the consultation.”
The current Shopper’s Permit is a cardboard disk which is displayed in vehicle windscreens. The new permit may be virtual where the registration number allows access for a set period in short stay car parks.
The consultation runs from 30 October to midnight on 6 December 2020. It will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Take part in the consultation here.
Paper copies of the survey will be available in Dorset libraries from early November. Please phone ahead before visiting or check here for opening times.
Shopper’s parking permit holders in the former West Dorset District Council area currently get 2 hours’ parking per day (or 3 hours if a disabled badge is also displayed), 7 days a week. At extra cost to the purchaser, the permit can be used in a second vehicle but not on the same day. The consultation asks if shoppers would like the permit to allow them to park for more than 2 hours. If a decision is made to stop the scheme, the western Dorset permits will remain valid until their expiry date.
PLEASE NOTE: Feel free to leave your comments below, but only feedback provided via the online form will be included within the consultation. If you want to have your say, please fill out the form – thank you.
I have found the NFDC one very useful and used it for several years – now £25 annual which seems reasonable and cheaper than this proposal. It certainly encourages shopping at other venues if you feel like you’re getting ‘free’ parking.
We live in Weymouth but generally use Dorchester for shopping. We have used the Shoppers Permit for several years now and at £36 (approx) for a year’s parking for two cars, its brilliant. As has been said, it saves the business of punching in the number plate detail on the parking machine, or scrambling for coins. Two hours’ worth of parking is usually quite adequate but if not, then pay for an hour and then add on the 2 hours from the Permit. Sadly Weymouth has been very reluctant to embrace this initiative over the years, so for the Council to now consider a genuine extension is excellent.
The administration costs of this make it prohibitive. It is an outdated system. There is an app which can be put on a smartphone (grandchildren or friends can help if you are not technically savvy). This makes it easy to pay for parking.
I also think that to support local business the first 2 hours should be free.
Have local business been canvassed?