PARKING charges could increase to £10 a day in some Dorset car parks from next year, including Weymouth and Portland, under new plans revealed by council bosses.

Following a review of parking charges launched in March, Dorset Council has created a new proposed pricing structure for car parks across the council area in a bid to standardise costs, which currently span from free to £9 all day.

The new three tier pricing structure would see car parks in the Level three tier, including car parks at Weymouth Beach and on Portland, increase to £10 a day during the peak season - April 1 to October 31 - from a current average price of £7.41.

Level one pricing, in Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, Ferndown, Verwood, Charmouth, Beaminster and West Bexington, is proposed to start at 50p for 30 minutes and rise incrementally to £4 for all day, during the off-peak season. Prices will remain the same in the peak season, except for Charmouth and West Bexington where prices will increase, starting at £1 for 30 minutes and rising incrementally to £10 a day. There is currently no charging for on-street parking in Level one areas, which will be changed to increase incrementally up to £1 for 90 minutes if the council's proposal is approved.

Level two pricing, in Weymouth (shopping car parks), Dorchester, Blandford, Shaftesbury, Wareham, Sherborne, Wimborne and Bridport, is proposed to start at 50p for 30 minutes and will rise incrementally to £6 for all day, from a current average of £4.41.

Level three pricing in Weymouth (beach car parks), Portland, Swanage, Lyme Regis, West Bay and Corfe Castle, is proposed to start at £1 for 30 minutes and rise incrementally to £10 for all day during the peak season.

Last year, there was outcry after Dorset Council quadrupled car park prices from £2 to £8 in Lyme Regis and West Bay.

Dorset's town and parish councillors and community representatives participating in stakeholder groups are being asked to comment on the proposed tiered car park pricing structure in a survey.

The council is also proposing a single car parking permit for drivers living and working in Dorset which will replace the 76 different permits currently available across the county. A survey has been launched to help decide the cost of the permit, which is open to all residents.

After receiving feedback on the tiered pricing structure and the permit cost, the council will propose the plans to a committee in October and cabinet in November, with the hope of implementing it in January 2022.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "We want a pricing strategy that works for as many people as possible and brings consistency in parking charges across the Dorset Council area. We also want to mitigate the impact of any price changes on Dorset’s residents, workers, and shoppers by offering discounted parking through a new permit.

"We’re trying to get the right balance so that costs are not so high that our car parks are under-used and people are pushed into parking on residential roads, but not so low that drivers cannot find a space to park or choose to drive rather than using a more sustainable form of travel.

"We also want our peak season charges to be aimed at visitors by making them comparable to prices at similar destinations in the south. Our proposed Dorset parking permit will protect our residents and workers from paying these higher prices.

"We’ll be gathering comments from residents, stakeholder groups, parish and town councillors and Dorset Council members, so please take the time to complete the permit survey and/or speak with your local town, parish or Dorset councillor to find out more about this work developing the new parking charges."

To complete the surveys, visit the Dorset Council website.