Free Parking Period to be Extended

Last week I told you that we were planning to introduce a further period of free parking to help businesses and their customers after the High Street reopened, which was previously scheduled for the 1st June.

In light of the Government’s announcement last night confirming that non-essential retailers won’t be able to open until the 15th June, I will be moving an amendment at Cabinet this Friday to extend free parking in Test Valley Borough Council car parks for a further fortnight, meaning normal charges will only apply from Wednesday 22nd July.

Subject to my Cabinet’s approval this will mean:

🚗 Parking remaining free ALL Day up to and including Sunday 21st June - enabling business owners access to re-stock their shops and to give residents and town centre workers time to prepare for the parking changes.

🅿️ From Monday 22nd June, all Test Valley Borough Council car parks will be FREE for the first 2-hours for a further month. Charges will apply as normal for stays longer than 2-hours.

📅 On the assumption that restrictions will be eased further from the beginning of July, we will re-introduce our normal parking charges from Wednesday 22nd July. This will be at the lower rate that was to be introduced from 1st April, £1 for the first 2-hours, with free parking available for up to 2-hours in Shepherds Spring Lane car park.

⏱ Car parking will remain free after 4pm, on Sundays and Bank Holidays.