BCP Council has sought to defend the chaotic scenes witnessed over the weekend in parts of Bournemouth, saying parking colleagues 'did a fantastic job in challenging circumstances'.
Buses were cancelled, people flouted well-publicised rules to camp on the beaches, and drivers chose to park cars on pavements and green spaces, hindering buses and pedestrians.
The soaring temperatures brought more than 100,000 visitors to the BCP area, with the council saying in a response to a number of questions yesterday, that extra staff were in place to manage car parks and 'arrival points'.
Unbelievable parking near Royal Bath Hotel at Pier Approach yesterday. Fines obviously not enough. How is this allowed to happen? @BCPCouncil @Bournemouthecho @dorsetpolice @BournemouthPol pic.twitter.com/46Nrd1JmoF
— Rod Dryfist (@Rod_Dryfist) July 18, 2022
A spokesperson said a contracted tow away company was employed to deal with anyone parking irresponsibly across the BCP Council area.
However, they were unable to tell us how many vehicles had been towed or which areas they were operating in.
As reported, bus companies were forced to abandon their routes on the East Cliff on Sunday due to cars parked badly, blocking the road.
The council said they had put on their social media channels a suggestion for people to use the park and ride service or try Avenue Road and Richmond Gardens car parks.
Cllr Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety and regulatory services, said: “We expected a very busy weekend because of the weather. In response, we put in a huge amount of resources to ensure we were prepared for an influx of everyone enjoying a concentrated area of our towns. The result was that visitors’ time in BCP was enjoyable for all.
Due to illegal parking, which is making our buses become stuck and making it dangerous, we are unable to serve East Cliff for the rest of the day. Buster's Beach Bus will divert via Bath Road and Christchurch Road.
— Yellow Buses (@YellowBuses) July 17, 2022
“Most visitors took care to use the many bins provided and we thank them for that. Early data shows that 35 tonnes of waste was collected from BCP's seafront bins alone this morning. By 10am today our clean up teams had done a sterling job and we were ready for business again.
“Every seafront car park was filled by 8am, but with people already travelling from further afield, there was naturally pressure on the roads. This was eased in part by the council’s summer park and ride at Kings Park to Boscombe which was used by over 800 people across the weekend."
Enforcement teams issued 1,500 parking tickets on Saturday and Sunday - 300 more than the same weekend last year.
Cllr Dove said: “Disappointingly illegal parking at East Overcliff Drive resulted in disruption to some bus services. The council is reviewing this and have already looked into putting in measures to prevent a repeat of this."
Breezer 70 - Due to double parked cars and cars parked on the pavement on East Overcliff Drive, our vehicles are becoming stuck and the situation is becoming dangerous. Because of this service 70 will terminate at Bournemouth Square/Hinton Road for the rest of the day. ^LW
— morebus (@Morebusco) July 17, 2022
It is not known what these measures are. However chief executive Graham Farrant and councillor Mike Greene, cabinet member for transport have tried to actively lobby for increases in the value of parking fines.
Cllr Dove added: “Overall, our parking colleagues did a fantastic job in challenging circumstances, and we recognise that irresponsible parking impacts most on our residents and businesses along our coastline.
“Additionally, we know people love our beaches, after all we’ve got some of the best in the UK, but overnight camping is not welcome nor is it permitted. Fly campers will be robustly dealt with by fixed penalty notices, with fines of up to £1,000.
“Anyone camping on the beach would have had an uncomfortable night’s sleep last night as our Beach Patrol team would have been visiting them to carry out hourly wake up calls."
The council were unable to say how many beach campers were given fines.
Cllr Dove said: “We are determined to give visitors that wow factor so that we make sure they leave with amazing memories, but we also recognised that local people have the desire to get out and enjoy the beautiful area they are lucky enough to live in too."
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