Parking fees on the way for Hampshire countryside areas
The County Council wants charges at Martin Down and Danebury Hillfort
Parking fees are set to be introduced at seven rural countryside car parks run by the county council to bridge the £175m budget deficit.
The plans would include fees for the first time at areas including Martin Down and Abbots Well Road, Hyde Common near Fordingbridge, as well as at Danebury Hillfort near Stockbridge.
Hampshire County Council is set to approve the implementation of charges at certain car parks as they are said to have the most income-generating potential.
The proposal is anticipated to raise around £65,000 yearly, which could help maintain countryside sites managed by Hampshire County Council.
The report reads: “The money from car parking charges would be used to invest in countryside services, both to maintain but also to enable ongoing improvements to the biodiversity, landscape and access for the benefit of our visitors and the natural environment, including the sites that the car park serves.
“We would explore opportunities to improve the visitor experience, for example, signage and path improvements (where minimal costs were involved and a robust business case in place), and generate income, for example, a temporary catering offer at suitable sites.”
The report stopped short of revealing how much the council is planning to charge drivers to park, but a consultation asked how people would feel about a £1.80 to £2.10 or £3 charge for a two-hour stay.
It did add that the county council would try to maintain similar fees to those charged by borough and district councils.
Season tickets for regular visitors, or an initial free period, would be studied to mitigate the cost for residents.
This is one of the 13 proposals included in the ‘future services consultation’ - another would see the roadworks budget cut across the county. |newtab)
A package of cuts aims to generate £17.5m, which will help the county council to bridge the recurring £175m budget gap estimated for 2025/26.
Cabinet members will make the final decision on October 14. If approved, charges will start in April 2025.
The county council would consider different payment methods, but cash payments are “not likely” to be implemented due to the high risk of theft or vandalism.