'CONTROVERSIAL' proposals to impose time limits and charges in Bournemouth parks have been drawn up.
Officers want to stop commuters and football fans using up the room at places like King’s Park and Meyrick Park.
There was also said to be “abuse and shouting” between golfers and parents on the school run at Solent Meads.
The ideas were revealed at a meeting of the economy and tourism scrutiny panel.
Mike Holmes, head of planning and transport, said: “This is a political issue. This will be controversial.”
The five parks affected are Meyrick Park, Queen’s Park, Slades Farm, Solent Meads and King’s Park.
Michael Rowland, parks policy manger, said it is difficult it’s hard to check who is using the park for a genuine reason.
New traffic orders with time limits would make enforcement easier, he said.
“We are not bringing this up because we want to stop people parking,” he said.
“It’s because we want the people who come to use the parks to be able to park their cars.”
The limits and charges are only suggestions at the moment.
Councillors set up a task and finish group to study the ideas and possibilities.
Any firm proposals would be subject to a public consultation.
Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts said: “I think giving people two hours is reasonable but two to four hours is better.
“It might also help generate revenue if people use the proper parking facilities.”
Cllr Ron Whittaker said: “I am glad we are not coming down on this in a heavy handed way.”
Professor John Fletcher of Bournemouth University, a community representative on the panel, said: “Whatever we do, there are going to be complications as people then park elsewhere.
“Another issue that that we don’t want to start increasing labour turnover because people can’t get to work.”
SUGGESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
• Meyrick Park – either two or four hours free then charges. Town centre commuters, including council staff, use the park.
• Queen’s Park golfers – two hours free then charges, possible refunds or permits for golfers. AFC Bournemouth fans, and commuters to the Littledown area, both use the park.
• Queen’s Park Fitness First – two hours free then no return within two hours.
•Slades Farm – two to four hours free, possible permit system.
The park is used by university students and people visiting the Bournemouth Learning Centre.
• Solent Meads – two to three hours free. Parents from St Katherine’s Primary School use the car park, which golfers object to.
• King’s Park – no suggestion yet. AFC Bournemouth fans use the park, causing problems for parks players.
WHAT YOU SAY
• Mikaela Boon, 41, an office worker from West Parley, said: “I park here and I only work part time so I would make a real difference to me. We already have extortionate parking fees in Bournemouth.”
• Julie Woodward, 51, a retailer worker from Muscliff, said: “I used to park here and I think it should be free.
“They are killing the town centre. The parking situation is already ridiculous.”
• Cameron Laird, 18, a Bournemouth University student from Winton, said: “I exercise here so I think it’s a good idea to have it free for two hours. I’m not sure if they should have restrictions though.”
• Paul Fairman, 49, company director from Moordown, said: “I cycle through the park. I am against more parking charges generally but this doesn’t sound too bad if it’s still free for park users.”
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