A new tow-away zone is to be introduced along Ferry Road in Studland to help prevent a repeat of last year’s chaos, when vehicles parked illegally, preventing emergency vehicles and buses from getting through.
This will mean that Dorset Council will have the power to remove any illegally parked vehicle and take it away to a compound, thus getting rid of any obstruction.
In the past, enforcement officers could only issue a fine, but this didn’t help keep the road clear.
The green line indicates the Studland tow-away zone
Two mile stretch of Ferry Road
Dorset Council is to propose a temporary traffic management order that will designate an approximately two mile stretch of Ferry Road, as a tow away zone from Saturday 22nd May until Monday 1st November 2021.
The proposal, which will be subject to consultation, will start 50 metres south of the Knoll House Hotel driveway and end 125 metres south of the ferry toll booths.
Vehicles will still be able to park along Ferry Road where it is allowed, but where vehicles are parked illegally, they may be towed away.
A vehicle tow-away zone has just been introduced from Daggers Gate to Church Road and West Road in West Lulworth
Tow-away zone in Lulworth
The introduction of a tow-away zone in Studland, follows the recent implementation of a tow-away zone in Lulworth, which experienced a similar influx of visitors and cars following the easing of lockdown in 2020.
Crowds were drawn to Durdle Door and many parked along the nearby country lane, causing frustration to residents and other visitors.
In 2020, visitors flocked to Studland, with some leaving their cars parked across emergency gates and blocking Ferry Road
“It posed a very real danger”
Councillor Noc Lacey-Clarke, cabinet lead for environment, travel and harbours, said:
“Last summer, Studland – one of Dorset’s most popular locations – became overcrowded and we experienced problems with illegally parked cars blocking access and bringing roads to a standstill.
“Studland also experienced litter problems, illegal overnight camping and fires as a result of disposable barbecues and camp fires.
“Not only was this incredibly frustrating for residents and visitors who had chosen to park responsibly, it posed a very real danger by restricting access for emergency service vehicles.
“By putting this clearway and tow-away zone in place we can influence individuals’ behaviour to park responsibly and behave with respect for others and for the area they are visiting.”
