Free parking boost for Christmas shoppers in New Forest
Charges axed for five days in town centre car parks by District Council
New Forest District Council is trying to encourage people to shop local in the approach to Christmas.
They've put on five days of free parking in Fordingbridge, as well as all of its other town centre and village car parks.
Parking will be free in all NFDC car parks today (Saturday 5th December) which is also this year's Small Business Saturday.
There will the be no charge on Christmas shopping weekends Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December and the 19th and 20th.
Cllr Edward Heron, portfolio holder for planning and infrastructure said:
"By offering five days of free parking we're encouraging our residents to shop local where possible this Small Business Saturday, and in the run up to Christmas. Free Christmas parking days have proved popular over the past few years both with our residents, and local shops and business. This year, where government restrictions on shopping allow, it's even more important that you support small businesses and please shop local, safely, where you can."
Free Christmas parking days are being provided as part of a wider range of parking incentives to boost the local economy, including freezing the costs at the current rate for 2021.
It means that NFDC parking charges have not been increased since 2018.
Cllr Heron added:
"We're continuing to support local businesses throughout 2021 by once again freezing most parking charges for another year at 2018 rates. Our range of parking clocks continue to provide excellent value for those who use our car parks often. Starting at just £25 for an annual short stay clock, you can use all our town and village car parks for less than 50p a week, helping to make our towns and villages even more welcoming to shoppers, workers and other visitors."