PROPOSALS for parking restrictions and charges in Bournemouth's parks could be amended before the public is asked for its views.

Plans to charge for free spaces in Bournemouth's parks.

The council's economy and tourism panel considered various options for Meyrick Park, Kings Park, Queens Park, Slades Farm and Solent Meads amid concerns that free car parks are being abused by workers, football fans, school-run parents and other non-park users.

Different solutions were discussed for each location. In both Queens Park car parks the recommendation was to restrict free parking to two hours and install parking meters for anyone wishing to stay longer.

At Meyrick Park the suggestion was a time restriction of four hours during the working week and at Slades Farm the suggestion was to restrict free parking to three hours between Monday and Friday.

At Solent Meads the proposal was to have one hour's worth of free parking in half the car park and allocate the remaining half to golfers. Meters could also be installed there.

In Kings Park the suggestion was to enforce no parking areas and double yellow lines and allocate some parking areas for permit holders only.

Chairman Bob Chapman said: “The sole reason for this report is to look at issues where people are having difficulty in gaining access to certain activities in parks because of all-day parking.”

Cllr Ian Lancashire, who led the task and finish public parks review group, said: “Parks are becoming massive public car parks; these issues need to be tackled.”

But Cllr Sue Levell voiced fears that two hours free parking in Queen's Park was not enough time for elderly residents, adding: “There is no overall consistency.”

Cllr Mark Anderson said he had concerns about the Queen's Park proposals; adding: “It is a balancing act and I am rather concerned about just one hour's free parking at Solent Meads.”

Cllr Lancashire said the suggestions would be looked at again, in light of concerns raised, before being put out to public consultation.