Drivers face new 'free parking' rules in England which motorists 'can't understand'

James Rodger

29 November 2024 at 7:16 am·2-min read

Drivers face new 'free parking' rules in England which motorists 'can't understand' — -Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

Parking charges are set to be hiked in the south of England - with free measures axed. Southampton has launched a consultation on new parking charges which will see free parking axed as drivers will have to pay for all parking durations.

It means the current offer of two hours free parking is scrapped. Councillor Eamonn Keogh said: "In our proposal, we have kept the tariffs at a competitive rate in line with the city centre and other local towns." Mr Keogh added: “The extra funding that we receive from the new tariffs will be used to maintain our car parks and can be reinvested into public transport and highways.

“We are also making strides in improving Southampton’s public transport, with a new bus service for Hill Lane coming soon and more frequent bus services in Bitterne and bus and train services in Woolston.” But the changes have been slammed by locals.

One motorist in the south of England hit back at the proposals and raged “You’re out of your mind. I’d understand it if there were a genuine capacity issue. But having to pay for parking to go into the shops in Bitterne just means I won’t go into the shops in Bitterne anymore.”

Another person said: “Motorists once again are the go-to cash cow. This move will damage local businesses as people will choose to go where there is free parking. Interesting to note that Basingstoke introduce some free parking in the town centre to great effect.”

The council is carrying a 21-day consultation for a statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to bring new tariffs for a selection of busy car parks in Bitterne, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston. Currently drivers can park for two hours for free but need to pay to stay any longer.

The new charges cut all free parking while also introducing evening and Sunday charges.

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