SHORT stay parking permits can now be used in most Dorset Council car parks for up to three hours a day, increasing from the previous two-hour limit.   

The local authority said the extra hour has been added to give residents more time to get things done and offer better value for money. 

At £90 a year for the short stay permit, one weekly three-hour stay averages at just over £1.73 per visit over 52 weeks.  

For those parking three hours a day, five days a week, the permit reduces costs to just under 35p per three-hour stay.  

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place commissioned services, said: “Increasing the permit from two to three hours can save you money and give more time to make the most of Dorset, or get those essential tasks done.   

“When you’re going about your day-to-day errands, or spending leisure time with friends and family, that extra hour can give you peace of mind.  

“As two cars can be registered, it’s a great way for your household to feel the benefit and save too.”  

The short stay car park permit allows residents a single parking session for up to three hours every day in most Dorset Council car parks, apart from these car parks.  

It also allows two vehicles to be registered per permit (but can only be used on one vehicle at a time).