CALLS to reverse changes to Dorset car parking charges is to be made by a group of councillors.

The controversial proposals were not discussed by councillors at all because they were said to be an ‘operational’ matter.

Their planned imposition, set to happen in the New Year, include doubling some car park fees, from £2 to £4 per day, in the Lyme Regis area, and an extension of the charging period in other car parks until 8pm, which many businesses complained would hit town centre bars and restaurants at a time when they are struggling to survive.

A motion is now being proposed by Lib Dem group leader Cllr Nick Ireland for the next full council meeting on December 10th.  It is supported by 15 councillors.

It asks for a reversal of the decision made by Highways, Travel and Environment portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan on October 16 but says it would welcome the inclusion of the proposals into a wider review on the council’s policy for parking due in early 2021.

The most recent statement on the issue from Dorset Council said that the decision would not be re-considered.

One opposition councillor is currently challenging the legal basis for the decision claiming that it might not comply with the council’s adopted constitution.

Dorset Council says it has lost around £2million in parking fees as a result of the pandemic restrictions.