BCP Parking Tariff and Permit Increases

Below is a statement from BCP Council regarding an increase in car parking tariffs:

As a council, we remain committed to being open about the decisions we need to make to protect essential local services, support vulnerable residents, and keep our communities running well. To do this, and to ensure long term financial stability, we must continue to assess our spending and review how we use our resources.

I am writing to inform you, and other local stakeholders, that from 16 March 2026, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council will be increasing car parking tariffs and permit prices.

We have kept increases in our three town centres to an absolute minimum — just 2%. This is a deliberate approach designed to support local businesses, encourage footfall, and ensure residents can continue to access and enjoy their town centres affordably.

For reassurance, all existing free parking options will remain exactly the same.

In higher demand locations, such as the seafront, tariffs will increase by 6%. Taken together, this results in an overall average rise of 4% across council‑owned car parks and chargeable on‑street parking – keeping pace with inflationary pressures.

Increases to the cost of resident permits are also being kept to the lowest possible level – at 2% - with this being off-set by larger increases for non-resident permits and season-tickets.

These changes come at a time of continued financial pressure for the council, as is the case for local authorities across the country, and will help support the Council’s statutory duties whilst keeping pace with rising costs.

The income raised by parking helps us prioritise and protect essential services, including home‑to‑school transport and our wider transport network, so that our residents continue to receive the services they rely on.

From mid-February, updated signage will be installed in car parks, and public notices will appear in the Bournemouth Echo to ensure residents and visitors are aware of the changes.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Kind regards,

Karen
Senior Parking Officer
Commercial Operations
Tel : 01202 123911
parking@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Published: 7th February 2026