Rockwater Branksome customer challenges 'unfair' parking ticket

Daniel Marks was issued a £50 fine for parking without a ticket in the car park outside the Branksome restaurant.

But Daniel said it was ‘not clear’ that Rockwater customers had to pay for parking, and added that around five other cars had been issued with tickets that day.

He told the Daily Echo: “The car park is clearly separated into two sections. Signage is clear on the main section but it’s not at all clear on the restaurant section, in fact there’s just one little blue sign.

“It needs to be made clear to people that are pulling up for lunch or for dinner, that even though they’re there for the new restaurant, they have to pay for parking.”

Daniel was issued the parking ticket in April, and has been challenging it with BCP Council ever since.

Branksome Beach car park (Image: NQ)

“I was very frustrated, and I saw how many other cars had tickets. I just think it’s very unfair." Daniel said.

He also submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the local authority about the number of parking tickets issued before and after Rockwater opened in September 2023.

It revealed that in April 2023, there were 97 tickets issued, compared to 227 in April this year.

In May 2023, there were 112 tickets issued, compared to 228 in May this year.

In June 2023, there were 101 tickets issued, compared to 246 in June this year.

Daniel described the data he received back as ‘remarkable and damning’, adding: “I think the numbers are insane.

“Something needs to be done about this, the council or car park operator need to be held responsible, tickets need to be cancelled or refunded and the signage needs to be drastically improved.”

The Daily Echo approached BCP Council, who own the car park, and Rockwater, for comments.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “Adequate signage in place at Branksome Chine car park, which is a heavily used public car park close to the beach, clearly states that it is a ‘pay and display’ location, which has been the case for more than 30 years.

Rockwater at Branksome Beach (Image: NQ)

“The signage currently in place was implemented in 2009, while car parking charges are also clearly stated on our BCP Council website and across cashless app providers including RingGo, JustPark and PayByPhone.”

A spokesperson for Rockwater Branksome said: “The Branksome Beach car park is solely run and operated by BCP Council.

“The public car park is accessible to all and is used by beachgoers, dog walkers, swimmers, and Rockwater customers alike.

“The signage displayed in the Branksome Beach car park is standard and clearly indicates the council parking regulations and rates for all car park users.”