The report recommends retaining the current Pay and Display arrangements, which include a free 20-minute parking period. Monitoring has shown the scheme is achieving its intended aims by improving parking turnover, increasing the availability of spaces for shoppers and visitors, and supporting effective enforcement.
The report also proposes that, if approved, officers progress an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to trial the introduction of a free first hour of parking on Lymington High Street for holders of the existing New Forest District Council parking clock. The trial would enable the County Council to assess the impact on parking turnover, availability, traffic flow and congestion before any longer-term decisions are considered.
The review takes account of independent national research by Jacobs which found no clear evidence that reasonable parking charges directly cause high street decline. The research concludes that town centre performance is influenced by many factors including retail mix, tourism, accessibility, online shopping and wider economic conditions.
Councillor Steve Forster, the County Council's Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport, will review the report at a Decision Day on 2 November.
Councillor Forster said: "We asked officers to undertake a thorough review of the current arrangements recognising the concerns raised by some local residents and businesses. While the evidence suggests the existing scheme is meeting its aims by helping to improve parking turnover and increase the availability of spaces for shoppers and visitors, we recognise the importance of listening to local views and considering whether alternative approaches could offer additional benefits.
“We know our high streets continue to operate in challenging economic conditions, and it’s important we work to fully understand the contributory factors. Parking controls also play an important role in managing limited road space, helping to keep spaces available, support access to businesses and services, and ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic. I will be reviewing this report in detail and taking careful consideration of all viewpoints and issues raised.”
Councillor Geoffery Blunden, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability at New Forest District Council, said: "Parking clocks have been a long-standing feature of our car parks and provide a simple way for motorists to access short-stay parking. We will work with Hampshire County Council as it considers the recommendations set out in the report and any potential trial arrangements."
Prior to the introduction of the current scheme in 2022, parking surveys identified significant levels of overstaying, with around 170 vehicles each day exceeding the previous one-hour maximum stay restriction. The current arrangements were introduced to improve the turnover and availability of spaces and support more effective parking management and enforcement.