Agenda item

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 holidaymakers required differentiated but coordinated solutions.

Equality and Enforcement - Concerns were raised over the framing of enforcement measures that appeared to target specific locations or vehicle types. Members emphasised the requirement for all enforcement to be applied equitably, irrespective of vehicle value or appearance, and for decisions to avoid discriminatory impacts. Examples were given where entire groups had been moved from areas, raising questions about proportionality.

Types of Vehicle Use - Members discussed the need to distinguish between, people living in vehicles due to homelessness or hardship; members of recognised traveller communities; holidaymakers and recreational vehicle users. It was noted that behaviour patterns, support needs and impacts differed significantly across these groups. A “one?size?fits?all” approach to enforcement was viewed as inappropriate.

Alternative Provision - The Board noted that if overnight parking was to be restricted, alternative provision would need to be available. Members observed that no formal campsites existed within the BCP area, despite increasing numbers of campervan owners and tourist demand. Comparisons were made with other areas where urban?edge campsites allowed easy access to cultural and leisure venues. Members expressed interest in exploring whether such facilities could be delivered via the Local Plan.

Local Plan Designation - Members also raised the need for designated spaces for traveller communities, noting that previous Local Plan work had identified a requirement for such provision and that future national planning guidance was expected to strengthen these duties.

Park and Ride - The Board debated the viability of a park and ride scheme. Historical trials had shown low usage and poor financial return. However, some members argued that park and ride could only succeed if supported by wider measures, such as; reduced availability or higher pricing of central parking; Integrated inclusion within a broader transport and parking strategy;
Recognition that BCP’s polycentric geography made single?point schemes less viable.

Members noted that although challenging, park and ride should remain part of the strategic review.

Parking Zones Consultation - Members requested clarification on the timeline and costs associated with the consultation analysis. Officers advised that external analysis had been completed and internal work was ongoing. Once finalised and approved, the results would be published on the public consultation website.

Resolved that the Overview and Scrutiny Board Recommend to Cabinet:

1.  That, in the development of the Local Plan and/or parking strategy, consideration is given to the provision of parking spaces for people to park overnight and sleep, including travellers, van lifers and holiday makers, ensuring that the communities affected are appropriately consulted.

2.  That, in the development of the local plan consideration is given to the provision of camp sites within BCP.

3.  That within the Local Transport Plan the provision of park and ride options are given full consideration.

Voting: Nem. Con.