Dorset Council decision to scrap parking scratch cards in Weymouth called 'a joke and shambolic'

As reported, Dorset Council's decision to introduce new parking regulations mean hotels, guest house owners will no longer be able to apply for yearly permits or be able to buy scratch parking cards for their guests.

Royal Yard car park

John Phipps, 72, who lives in Dudley, west Midlands, said he plans to visit Weymouth between July 23 to 30, but is reconsidering travelling to the resort after describing the parking situation for holidaymakers to the area as 'a shambles'.

Mr Phipps said: "In previous years, I've been able to apply for parking permits, but I've been able to this year.

"There's 14 of us in total and we will hopefully be staying along Weymouth Harbour."

Pavilion car park

Previously, car parks including the Pavilion, the Swannery, and the Royal Yard were part of the scratch card scheme.

During the summer, it is expected to cost visitors £10 for the 24-hour parking across Weymouth.

"Dorset Council has directed me to the Pavilion carpark which will cost £10 a day," said Mr Phipps.

"We'll have four cars and this will add hundreds of pounds on top of our trip. It's putting me off from coming down and I'm seriously considering visiting somewhere else.

"Weymouth is a tourism town. We won't be coming again if the situation doesn't change. It'll be a nightmare and it's a joke. Truly a shambolic decision by Dorset Council."

Ray Bryan from Dorset Council said the privilege is not enjoyed by other Dorset towns and the authority will stick to its decision, although it will monitor the effect of the changes.

He said it was decided that all discounted parking for visitors and tourists to Dorset should be removed so that affordable permits could be introduced to support people who live and work in Dorset.

A spokeswoman from Dorset Council said: "There’s no date for review as far as I know in relation to the decision councillors made on permits.

"As this is the first summer of new car park charges and Short Stay/Flexi Stay residents’ car park permits we’ll likely monitor how it goes, but I'm unaware of any date for review."