A REVIEW of car parking charges across the Dorset Council area has begun - as prices are set to quadruple in some areas from tomorrow.

Discussions have started with local communities across the council area to review the changes being brought in through the first phase of the parking transformation project, which was agreed by councillors in December.

The project has set up stakeholder groups - including residents, businesses and town and parish councillors - who will discuss the parking challenges faced by residents on a local level with community representatives, to inform the final pricing strategy the council will implement.

The first phase of the parking transformation project will come into effect tomorrow, when all-day charging in Lyme Regis and West Bay car parks will rise from £2 to £8.

The charging period in Purbeck will align to other council car parks - 8am to 6pm - and Sunday charging will start for car parks in Dorchester, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Bridport and Beaminster.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "When Dorset Council was formed, we inherited a number of different charging strategies.

"As a result, we currently have 76 different permits in circulation, with varying rules and prices that, when compared, are not fair. For instance, car park charges span from being free to £9 for all day parking.

"Our proposal will centre around a three-level strategy that differentiates between the diverse and unique areas that Dorset enjoys - rural, coastal and town.

"Alongside this, we're also looking at a permit that is only available for Dorset Council residents, which will offer reduced parking charges in our car parks.

"We're discussing issues at a local level within these working groups to best understand local parking pressures. We want a pricing strategy that works for as many people as possible."

The council is putting the final touches to a proposal which will be presented to the stakeholder groups on April 6. This will be followed with a four-week period for stakeholders to comment on the plans.