CONTROVERSIAL moves to sweep away free car parking in Eastleigh's shopping streets in less than 12 months have been given the go ahead.

Civic chiefs last night agreed to introduce on-street charges of 30p for 30 minutes for prime roadside parking slots from March 6 next year.

The council's Cabinet decided to go ahead with the move on the basis that it would actually increase trade by improving the turnover of vehicles while easing traffic congestion and parking enforcement problems.

At present, drivers can park for up to 30 minutes for free. But from next March it will cost 30p for a maximum stay of 30 minutes in Market Street, High Street and near shops in Leigh Road with a 60p fee for a maximum stay of 60 minutes in Blenheim Road and by the park in Leigh Road.

Transport supremo Councillor David Airey told cabinet colleagues that on-street parking in the town centre was at a premium.

"We can't really have cars continually driving round and round in circles looking for spaces which is only adding to the poor air quality and, additionally, causes unnecessary congestion problems.

"The only way to increase the efficiency of parking within the town centre is to look at some form of regulation - and that basically means charging.

"While some people consider parking charges in town centres to be contentious, in this day and age people should expect to pay for it.''