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Call to reopen park entrance to motorists rejected

Amy WoodwardLocal Democracy Reporting Service
BBC Several pillars signify a road entrance to a park. There is a yellow sign in front of one of the pillars that reads: "Poole Park closed to through traffic." A lake and trees can be seen in the background. BBC
The Whitecliff entrance to Poole Park was permanently closed to traffic in May 2024

Calls to reopen a park entrance to motorists to help with traffic management have been rejected in Dorset.

The Whitecliff entrance to Poole Park was permanently closed to traffic by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in May 2024 to improve the environment in and around the park.

But Poole Town Councillor Xena Dion argued the closure was pushing traffic onto Parkstone Road and posed a risk if the park's remaining exit had to cope with a major incident.

Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council's portfolio holder for climate response, has defended the closure, saying the park was "not part of the highway" and that keeping cars out reduced congestion and cut disturbance to wildlife.

He said the parks team would continue working to improve access for legitimate vehicle use, including for disabled visitors, while prioritising people on foot and bike over "rat-running traffic".

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