Lymington High Street parking charges to start Tuesday 2nd August

CONTROVERSIAL new parking restrictions will come into force in Lymington High Street on Tuesday.

Ticket machines have sprung up on the pavements ahead of charges being imposed by Hampshire County Council.

As reported in the A&T, the new system was opposed by local councillors and traders, who said it would deter shoppers, clutter up the pavements and hamper the town’s recovery from the pandemic.

Currently drivers get a free one-hour maximum stay, although HCC said a survey had shown 70% of people parked for up to 30 minutes so most would be unaffected. Up to 170 drivers each day ignored the limit, it said.

The new system will give people a free 30-minute stay which HCC said would support short shopping trips.

Longer stays are allowed up to two hours, at a rate of £1 per hour, which HCC said was in line with parking in nearby off-street facilities run by New Forest District Council.

The appearance of the ticket machines prompted angry responses on social media, with some describing them as “trash street furniture” which will affect trade for businesses.

Others were more accepting, saying: “People talking like it’s the end of the world. High streets all over the country have paid parking. People need to get a grip.”

Charging will apply Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm, with no charges on Sundays or bank holidays.

There will continue to be no high street parking on Saturday market days.