Drivers are set to enjoy a full hour of extra when using most Dorset Council car parks with a short-stay permit.

The annual permit offers savings for regular users, and the extended stay time removes some of the worry when attending appointments or completing errands. 

The extra hour brings the permit duration from two hours to three.

At £90 a year for the short stay permit, one weekly three-hour stay averages at just over £1.73 per visit over 52 weeks. This means more time for regular visits to the surgery, to browse the shops, or to check in on a family member.  

For those parking three hours a day, five days a week, the permit reduces costs to just under 35p per three-hour stay. Whether it’s for the daily dog walk or taking the kids to their after-school activities, you could save £100s compared to paying for each visit.  

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Commissioned Services, said: “Increasing the permit from two to three hours can save you money and give you more time to make the most of Dorset or get those essential tasks done.  

“When you’re going about your day-to-day errands, or spending leisure time with friends and family, that extra hour can give you peace of mind.  

“As two cars can be registered, it’s a great way for your household to feel the benefit and save too.” 

Read more: Reduced car park fees in Dorset 'making a difference'

The short-stay car park permit allows: 

  • A single parking session for up to three hours every day in most Dorset Council car parks, but several including the Pavilion car park in Weymouth and the History Centre in Dorchester are not included.

  • Two vehicles can be registered per permit - but can only be used on one vehicle at a time.

Once the three-hour stay has been used in a day, the permit will not be valid again until the following day. 

Read more; "Keep it secret from holidaymakers": Car park with cheaper prices welcomed

A paper parking permit is available for people without access to a smartphone or other online services, telephone 01305 221000 for details. 

To be eligible for a permit the vehicle registered to the permit must be fully roadworthy. It must be taxed, insured, and have a valid MOT.

Car parks you cannot use your short stay permit in:

Dorchester

  • History Centre 
  • Trinity Street (northern section)

Portland

  • Castletown
  • Grangecroft

Shaftesbury

  • Angel Lane

West Bay

  • Quayside car park
  • The George car park
  • The Mound car park

Weymouth

  • Cosens Quay car park
  • Pavilion car park 
  • Pavilion Forecourt car park

Wimborne

  • Crown Mead car park
  • Walford Mill car park

Wareham

  • The Quay