A COUNCIL is to slash parking charges in Romsey in order to increase visitors - with just a fee of £1 for two hours.

Test Valley Borough Council is set to slash its two-hour parking charge by more than 40 per cent as part of the town centre rejuvenation.

From April 2020, shoppers will be able to park for two hours for just £1, the same price currently charged for one hour, doubling the amount of time they can stay.

The changes will also see the removal of the 30-minute, 45-minute and hour tariffs - with prices starting at £1 for two hours in Romsey.

Parking portfolio holder and deputy leader, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “We have such ambitious plans to rejuvenate our town centres and the one thing we are continually asked for is cheaper parking.

"So instead of following the old parking strategy of inflationary rises, we’re thrilled to offer two-hours parking for the current price of one.

“The majority of people that park in Test Valley car parks stay for between one and two hours, so these changes will help the greatest number of users.

"Free parking after 4pm and all day on Sundays and bank holidays will still apply – and with contactless payment now available we’re making sure it is as easy as possible to park up and shop locally."

As well as the four-hour free parking offer at Romsey Rapids continuing past April 2020, the price to stay all day will also remain at £2.10.

Cllr Nick Adams-King added:“While the very short-stay charges will be removed, people will now be able to secure two hours of parking for just £1, which we hope will encourage those parking in the borough not to rush and instead enjoy a little more time in the town centre.”

Romsey town centre manager, Mark Edgerley said: “I welcome the reductions in short stay charges and retention of the free period after 4pm and on bank holidays, this sends a very strong message to shoppers and visitors that Romsey welcomes town centre users.

"The revised charges demonstrate TVBC’s award winning support for small retail businesses and the importance the council places on vibrant town centres.”

In all Test Valley Car parks, it would cost;

  • £1 for two hours
  • £2 for three hours
  • £3 for four hours
  • £4 for five hours
  • And £5.90 for more than five hours in short and medium stay car parks, and £4.40 for more than five hours in long stay.