Christchurch Borough Council has approved a rise in parking charges throughout the Borough which they say is fair and reasonable.

Consultation with residents, police and the Chamber of Trade the council  decided to increase parking charges in what they declare as "fair and reasonable".

For example, shoppers wantinga quick stop in Saxon Square will find it will now cost 35p - a rise of five pence for half an hour.  This awkward figure was queried but Cllr. Sally Wilkes said that people would be more upset if it was 40p.  This percentage rise covers all car parks but Wortley Road car park in Highcliffe has seen it's tariff reduced, a loss of income of approx £14,000 / year.  The latter was reduced to help traders in Highcliffe and attract more High Street customers.  Highcliffe has recently lost it's market place which may have effected a loss of trade.  Parking here will be 50p for two hours

The central and popular Wick Lane car park however was a particular sore subject where local residents say they have to pay a high premium to park and that they should have a more affordable parking scheme.  Their charges for parking have have jumped 30% from £225 in 2006-07 to £345 for 2008.  They also objected to Chamber of Trade members being able to park in Wick Lane without paying the 50% premium.  Cllr. Hall backed up the residents but in reply Cllr. Alan Griffiths, leader of the council said that residents were not being discriminated against but that council were just following the policy that was already been in place.

Christchurch town centre car parks will in future charge £1.20 for two hours.  Compare this to Bournemouth town centre tariffs the charges are reasonable.