A NEW parking policy is set to be agreed for West Dorset – and it aims to make prices more consistent across the district.

If approved at the full council meeting, which takes place at South Walks House in Dorchester today, the parking policy will be in place until 2022.

The policy does not set out what the prices will be, but it does aim to provide a ‘sound basis’ for the governance of the district council’s car parks. A consultation was held into parking charges last year but town council’s across the district had differing opinions, with some saying charges should be increased, and others saying they are too high.

The increased demand for motorhome parking is also noted, and there are moves to create more spaces to cater for this demand and offer an overnight charge where sleeping is allowed.

A report to councillors states: “The consultation into parking charges received very mixed responses. It is acknowledged that the current pricing structures need to be more coherent and consistent across the district and it would be appropriate to revisit the pricing changes as part of the budget process.”

It’s hoped the parking policy will provide facilities that are safe and secure, with parking charges set at levels which are ‘not detrimental to the economic viability of the local economy’.

The report states: “It was proposed that there should be additional parking provision for motorhomes, given the increasing number of these wishing to use the car parks. There are some designated bays in Lyme Regis, however the off street parking places order restricts owners from sleeping overnight in these car parks. The parking order needs to be amended to allow overnight sleeping and it is important that we meet any planning requirements and provide appropriate facilities for this to take place.”

West Dorset District Council owns 34 car parks and operates four more on behalf of third parties, together generating income of £3.5m per year.

The policy also stresses the importance of quality as opposed to quantity when it comes to parking tickets – and aims for no more than two per cent of PCNs to be cancelled due to errors by the civil enforcement officer.

The report states: “The aim of this is to ensure that motorists are parking correctly in line with regulations – a high level of compliance is a strong sign that our parking enforcement is working.”

The full council meets today at 2.15pm.