THE HOURLY parking rate in the main Dolphin shopping centre car park is being re-introduced on a trial basis this summer.

Borough of Poole Council will bring back the hourly rate in July, after businesses reported a drop in footfall since the two-hour minimum charge was introduced in 2011.

Instead, from July 1, shoppers will have the option of paying 90p for an hour’s stay in the main Dolphin shopping centre car park and the two surrounding roof top car parks in the town centre, in a year-long trial.

Lucy Cooper, President of Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, is in favour of the proposed change.

She said: “In this economic climate, we have to do everything we can to encourage shoppers to visit Poole town centre on a more frequent basis and explore what traders have to offer.”

John Grinnell, Dolphin shopping centre manager, says that he is also delighted that the hourly rate is being brought back.

He said: “The hourly rate is a positive move forward, not only for the town centre businesses, but also for those coming to shop in Poole.”

Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, says that the council is committed to doing what it can to help businesses and traders in the area.

She said: “It is important that we work together and address concerns positively.”

  • Chris Walkey, 35, client supervisor from Bournemouth central, said: “I think that for regular shoppers, it is going to help, but for people who work in the high street all day, it could mean the cost to us goes up.”
  • Jenny Field, 64, retired from Hamworthy, said: “It’s the same as anything really, like the price of beer for example, they will still put the prices up. The thing is, the more people pay, the more the prices will continue to rise.”