Free parking is extended in Romsey and across Test Valley

This comes after Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) scrapped car parking charges across the borough on March 25 following the Prime Minister's, Boris Johnson, lockdown announcement.

Now deputy leader of TVBC, cllr Nick Adams-King, has revealed he is "delighted to confirm" TVBC's car parks will remain free of charge until Monday, June 22.

The move means drivers can park for free all day up to and including Sunday, June 21 after the scheme was given the green light by Cabinet members on Friday, May 29.

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Cllr Nick Adams-King

From June 22, to July 21 TVBC will still offer the first two hours of parking for free in all of their car parks before charges are reintroduced fully on July 22. 

Cllr Adams-King said: "I’m delighted to confirm TVBC’s car parks will remain free of charge until 22nd June.

"They will then operate with the first two hours parking free until 22nd July when the new rate of £1 for the first two hours will be introduced.

"If for any reason the Government reverses its decision to allow the opening of non-essential retail businesses beyond June 15 then parking will remain free until one week after the date they do allow opening.

"The one month of 'first two hours free' parking will also then run from that new date."

He added by having free all day parking until June 21 it will "give people time to get used to coming back into the town centre and make sure they are comfortable with what they are doing".

"There is also going to be a campaign saying Romsey will be open for business, because by June 22 when the charges come back in full most things should be open.

"I know hairdressers and beauty places are expecting to open in July and it will be important to communicate to people what is open and what is not, as well as give information about how we are managing people's movements in the town centre so people feel safe," cllr Adams-King said.

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When asked when this campaign will be launched, cllr Adams-King could not confirm a date.

Opposition cllr John Parker, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the borough council, said: "The important thing is that the scheme we have at the moment allows free parking while the shops are not open, which is the right policy and it needs to continue.

"What concerns me now is what policy are we going to introduce in order to encourage people to come shop in Romsey?"

TVBC has been contacted for comment.