Understand
New Forest councillors warn parking fee rises could harm high streets
Overview
New Forest District Council has approved plans to increase parking tariffs across town, village, and coastal car parks from January, aiming to generate an additional £189,000. While the Conservative-run authority argues the increases are in line with inflation and necessary to balance the budget, opposition councillors have warned the move will harm struggling local businesses and high streets.
Key points
- New Forest District Council has approved increases to car parking charges starting in January.
- The changes are expected to generate an extra £189,000 in income for the council.
- An annual shoppers' parking clock pass will rise from £47 to £49, and long-stay parking passes will increase from £240 to £247.
- Short-term parking for up to an hour will rise from £1.55 to £1.60.
- Opposition councillors criticized the hike, arguing it fails to support local businesses and communities.
- The council's cabinet member for economy and planning defended the decision as a difficult choice necessary to balance the budget.