West Bay businesses say parking reductions came 'too late'

West Bay Road car park is one of three car parks in coastal communities across the county where controversial charges introduced last year have been slashed as part of a trial by Dorset Council.

The trial - introduced by the new Lib Dem administration - started on July 1 and will continue until the autumn when there will be a review.

READ MORE: West Bay traders elated by council review of car park charge

It's said that the loss of income to the council could be up to £300,000 over the period - but the benefits to the economies of West Bay, Lyme Regis and Weymouth where the trial is taking place is likely to be worth more than that.

Maximum parking fees have gone down from £15 for ten hours to £9, with pro-rata reductions for shorter stays, effectively keeping the lower winter rate in place throughout the summer.

READ MORE: West Dorset businesses 'delighted' at parking prices halved

West Bay Tea Rooms is located next to West Bay Road car park, which has had its prices reduced in the trial.

West Bay Tea Rooms on West Bay Road (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Staff at the café, however, have said the move is "too little, too late".

Sharon Miller (left) and Francesca White, staff at West Bay Tea Rooms (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Francesca White said: "I think in terms of tourism, it is a bit too little, too late because all of the people who came last year have said they won't be back because the car park was too expensive.

"It needs to reach a wider audience - we used to have people who came from Crewekerne and Yeovil for a day trip out and they couldn't afford the parking so they said there is no point us coming.

"It hasn't made a huge difference, it is the middle of July and no-one is down here.

"A lot of the coach companies who used to come avoid it now because the car parks are too expensive; coaches shouldn't be charged anyway because they are bringing 30 or 40 people here."

Sharon Miller added: "I am just glad I have a parking permit, because if I didn't then all of my wages would go on parking.

"For people who work in West Bay it is ridiculous, even at this price."

Victoria Keating and Lester Garden, staff at Just Fish in West Bay (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Victoria Keating and Lester Garden, staff members at Just Fish, argued that the council had chosen the "wrong car park" and called on prices to be lowered at East Beach car park.

Victoria said: "It is the wrong car park, not many people park there, the beach is the main car park for disabled access.

"If they did it in the two car parks it would be good, it does feel a bit too late.

"It is so far into the season, in eight weeks time it will be over.

Mr Garden added: "We have had one customer come in and say it is cheaper now, but it is only one.

Beverley Beavis, owner of Custom House Emporium, said: "The trouble is, since it kicked in on July 1, the weather has been rubbish.

Beverley Beavis, owner of Custom House Emporium in West Bay (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"The day it started, there was a lady sitting in the car park directing people to go to the cheaper one.

"I have just been trying to get the word out there.

"It is a step in the right direction and better than nothing, but it is a bit too early to tell."

The new rates at West Bay Road car park are:

Up to 30 minutes: £0.80; Up to 1 hour: £1.50; Up to 2 hours: £2.30; Up to 3 hours: £3.30 Up to 4 hours: £5.30; Up to 10 hours: £9

Previously, the tariffs in these car parks were:

Up to 30 minutes: £1.50; Up to 1 hour: £3; Up to 2 hours: £4.50; Up to 3 hours: £6; Up to 4 hours: £7.50; Up to 10 hours: £15