FREE parking for Lyme Regis residents will be extended by two months as parking prices rise throughout west Dorset.

Parking permits had been previously issued by Lyme Regis Town Council to allow residents to park for free at its three car parks throughout the winter.

Free winter parking was due to end just before Easter, but the council has now extended the concession until Sunday, May 16 as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

The extension was suggested by Cllr Richard Doney and supported by the whole council.

Cllr Doney said: “I proposed an extension of the parking permits as a small compensation to residents for what will undoubtedly be a very testing summer for the town. I am grateful for the support of my fellow councillors.”

This comes as all-day car parking prices in Lyme Regis and West Bay quadruple this week.

All-day charges at Dorset Council owned car parks in both areas will rise by four times the current price - going from £2 to £8 from Thursday, April 1.

Dorset Council has introduced the car parking increases changes in attempt to claw back some of the £3 million which has been lost in parking charges during the pandemic and to bring West Bay and Lyme Regis in line with other seaside towns in Dorset. Both areas have not seen an increase in the fee since 2014. The increase in charges was first announced in October and garnered a huge amount of criticism - with business owners, employees and councillors hitting out against the price-hike.

Permits are available to residents whose vehicle is registered to a Lyme Regis address and are valid at Monmouth Beach Car Park, the adjoining Cabanya Car Park, and Woodmead Car Park.

The permits also allow free parking in the evenings during the summer, and periods in the morning and evening at Woodmead to allow time for town centre shopping.

To apply for a permit, email the council at enquiries@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk and include a copy of a council tax bill and vehicle registration document for the same address, or call 01297 445175.