Issue - meetings

Response to questions raised by the Key Lines Of Enquiry (KLOE) relating to parking related items across the BCP Council area

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The report outlined responses to questions raised by the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) relating to parking related items across the BCP Council area. The Chair reminded members that some matters raised, particularly those relating to people living in vehicles, were within the remit of the Environment and Place Committee. It was emphasised that discussion should remain within the scope of the Board and that comments would inform the emerging parking strategy.

The Democratic Services Officer clarified that although the report referred to matters involving people living in vehicles, the substantive policy work on this was being carried out by the Environment and Place Committee. This included an active survey targeting those living in vehicles to gather further insights. Members were encouraged to signpost individuals to the survey. It was confirmed that the Board’s task was not to set policy on van‑life but to note relevant implications for parking strategy.

The Portfolio Holder explained that several acronyms used in parking policy related to the division of responsibilities between the Department for Transport (on‑street parking) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (off‑street parking). The report responded to key lines of inquiry raised following a motion approved by Council in September 2025.

The Board was informed that:
- Analysis of the large‑scale consultation on parking zones had not yet concluded due to competing workload pressures.
- Park and ride viability had been repeatedly reviewed and remained challenging.
- Existing restrictions along parts of the seafront were complex to enforce, particularly where overnight sleeping prohibitions required officers to wake vehicle users.
- Underused land near car parks had been examined but suitable capacity was limited.
- Peak occupancy in summer 2025 reached approximately 72%, demonstrating strain but not full saturation.
- Variable message signage had been used on key routes to guide visitors to available upper‑town car parks, though visitors frequently ignored this in favour of navigating directly to the seafront.
- Enhanced PCN rates trialled in August 2025 had been the single most effective measure to influence behaviour.

The Chair of the Environment and Place Committee reported on ongoing work relating to van‑life. The issue had first arisen more than 18 months earlier, and the Committee had since sought to approach it sensitively, recognising both cultural and socio‑economic dimensions. Engagement with support organisations and community groups continued, with surveys distributed through partners. The importance of avoiding actions that discouraged participation or caused distress to vulnerable groups was emphasised.

A number of different issues were discussed in consideration of this item:

Alignment with Environment and Plance O&S Committee - The need to align forthcoming parking strategy work with Environment and Place’s wider programme was highlighted. Members stressed that parking for travellers, van‑lifers and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114