Free parking given the go-ahead in Covid-19 recovery plan
City leaders want to encourage people to come to Southampton in the evenings
Plan for free parking in Southampton have been given the green light.
From August 1 parking charges will be scrapped in all city centre on-street pay and display bays between 6pm and 8pm.
Parking will continue to be free Monday to Saturday between 6pm and midnight in city centre off-street car parks including multi-storey car parks.
Civic chiefs have also backed plans for free parking in all council off-street car parks on Sundays between midday and 6pm until January 2, 2022.
City-based bus companies Bluestar and First Southampton have also confirmed that they will be offering £1 fares per single journey on all city centre routes after 6pm Monday to Sunday until September 5.
It comes as city leaders said they want to encourage people to come to Southampton in a bid to boost the local economy and help businesses recover from the pandemic.
According to official documents, Southampton City Council received 60 comments as part of the public consultation on the proposals for free parking.
Of those, 55 were against the plans as some residents raised concerns over the impact free parking would have on traffic and pollution.
Council bosses said the aim of the proposals is to encourage visitors back into the city centre and it is not expected that traffic will increase above the pre-pandemic levels.
Cllr Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth, said: “Now that all legal restrictions have been removed, we want people to safely enjoy everything Southampton has to offer, whether that’s visiting the shops, watching a film at the cinema or meeting friends for a meal at one of our great restaurants. And thanks to free city centre parking and discounted bus fares, we’re helping to make your money go further so you can support local businesses and Get Southampton Moving.”
Giles Semper, Executive Director of GO! Southampton, the Business Improvement District, said: “The pandemic has hit local businesses hard, so we’re pleased the council has committed to lifting park charges in the city centre and giving residents and visitors the opportunity to support city centre industries at this critical time.”
Charges still apply: Monday to Saturday (8am to 6pm) in all council off-street car parks (including multi-storey car parks); Monday to Saturday (8am to 6pm); Sundays/Public Holidays (12pm to 6pm) in all council on-street pay and display locations.
Mark Lovell, interim operations manager at First Southampton, said: “We’re delighted to offer our £1 single fare after 6pm. This offer will run until Sunday 5 September, and also applies to Solent Ranger X4/X5 (within the Southampton zone).”
Andrew Wickham, managing director at Bluestar, added: “Until 5 September, people can travel with us for £1 after 6pm. Much of our fleet is equipped with Euro 6 low emissions engines, so travelling with us can lead to fewer carbon emissions across Southampton. We’re hoping this initiative will encourage more people to use sustainable transport this summer.”