Bridport Business Chamber is asking why Dorset Council is not listening to businesses after it agreed to quadruple car parking prices at West Bay and charge on Sundays.

Dorset Council announced last week that all-day parking in West Bay would cost £8, rather that its current £2, from February 1, and although it has scrapped plans to charge until 8pm in its car parks, charges will come into effect on Sundays.

Robert Muhl, president of Bridport Business Chamber, said: "While the concession in not bringing in charges between 6pm and 8pm is very welcome, it is very disappointing that extra costs are being added to shoppers' or visitors' parking. These are people who basically benefit local businesses and, ultimately, the council itself.

"It just seems counterproductive and the wrong time to implement these increases. Why is the council not listening to businesses? It is beyond belief."

Dorset Council says the increase in all-day parking charges at West Bay and Lyme Regis has been made to bring these in line with other tourist destinations in the area.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "The pricing scale will now be graduated, which means the cost-per-hour increases the longer you park there.

"So, while all-day parking will indeed cost £8, visitors who only stay for a couple of hours will be charged far less. For example, two hours of parking in Weymouth's Pavilion car park is around £2, but all-day costs £8 during the summer.

"As I stated in cabinet, we will be discussing special arrangements, as well as shoppers and residents permits, in the new year and will work closely with town councils on how these are implemented.

"In the meantime, long stay parking permits are currently available for West Bay and Lyme Regis from £19.17 a month - purchased annually for £230 or six months for £120."

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