Bridport Business Chamber is "appalled" at proposed car parking changes and is urging Dorset Council to reconsider.

A number of changes are due to hit Dorset Council run car parks in the new year, include extending the charging time from 6pm to 8pm, as well as charging on Sundays, and doubling the price of day tickets at some West Bay car parks.

The chamber has branded this decision – made by Dorset Council without consultation – as "totally unacceptable" and "a completely inappropriate time" to bring in these increases.

Robert Muhl, president of Bridport Business Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "On behalf of the business chamber and all the businesses in Bridport, we are absolutely appalled.

"Please reconsider this irresponsible, inconsiderate proposal. This sends the message that there is no empathy from Dorset Council regarding the significant issues facing the local business community.

"Quite frankly, we are horrified.

"While we understand that a review of parking was underway before Covid-19 struck, it seems that no account has been taken of the toll on business that lockdown and social distancing measures have taken since March 2020.

"Many, many businesses, as well as Dorset Council, have seen revenues hit dramatically – many businesses may not survive."

He added that many people are putting in a lot of effort into making sure towns like Bridport survive and found it "astonishing" that these measures were approved without any consultation before the announcement.

"Bringing in evening and Sunday charges in Bridport will certainly affect business," added Mr Muhl. "Particularly in the hospitality sector. There will also be a very significant cost to Dorset Council in policing these additional hours.

"We are aware parking in Bridport is perhaps the number one issue to be dealt with to allow business growth. Making these proposed changes at this time will do nothing to help and will certainly make it more difficult for local businesses to survive these difficult times.

"I strongly urge the council to reconsider."

As charges are an operational matter, Dorset Council said it is not required to consult. The decision to change car parking charges was made by Cllr Ray Bryan, who states: "I made this operational decision following information from officers, using my powers as portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment.

"We wrote to town and parish councils on Friday morning to inform them of these forthcoming changes, while simultaneously issuing communications to Dorset Council members and the public so they can hear the news directly from us well in advance of the changes coming into effect.

"If these changes were proposals or part of a consultation, we would have engaged with councillors at an earlier stage to discuss. That said, I give my assurance to all Dorset Councillors and town and parish councils that they will be fully involved in the wider policy review of car parking charges early next year."

Dorset council said shoppers who park to do shopping during daytimes on weekdays and Saturdays will see no changes at all in parking charges.

It added: "Dorset Council's car parks cost money to run. Costs include resurfacing, patrolling, and maintenance of payment facilities. Dorset Council also pays business rates on car parks. It is essential that parking charges cover the cost of running and providing these facilities."

See also:

Dorset Council gives clarity on changes to its car parks - but there are no plans to reconsider the decision