PARKING fees are set to be introduced at seven countryside car parks run by the Hampshire County Council, including two in Test Valley, to bridge the £175m budget deficit.

The county council is set to approve the implementation of charges at seven car parks with 20 or more spaces as they are said to have the most income-generating potential.

The proposal is anticipated to raise around £65,000 yearly, which could help maintain countryside sites managed by Hampshire County Council.

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The report reads: “The money from car parking charges would be used to invest in countryside services, both to maintain but also to enable ongoing improvements to the biodiversity, landscape and access for the benefit of our visitors and the natural environment, including the sites that the car park serves.

“We would explore opportunities to improve the visitor experience, for example, signage and path improvements (where minimal costs were involved and a robust business case in place), and generate income, for example, a temporary catering offer at suitable sites.”

The report stopped short of revealing how much the council is planning to charge drivers to park, but a consultation asked how people would feel about a £1.80 to £2.10 or £3 charge for a two-hour stay.

This is one of the 13 proposals included in the ‘future services consultation’. A package of cuts aims to generate £17.5m, which will help the county council to bridge the recurring £175m budget gap estimated for 2025/26.

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It received over 4,500 responses, with residents overall in agreement. However, concerns about the proposals creating financial barriers to accessing the countryside, displacement of parking, and cost exceeding revenue were raised.

Cabinet members will make the final decision on October 14. If approved, charges will start in April 2025.

The county council would consider different payment methods, but cash payments are “not likely” to be implemented due to the high risk of theft or vandalism.

These are the locations where fees would be implemented:

  • A354 Martin Down, near Fordingbridge
  • Abbots Well Road, Frogham – Hyde Common, Near Fordingbridge
  • Crab Wood, Sarum Road, Winchester
  • Danebury Iron Age Hillfort (lower), near Stockbridge
  • Danebury Iron Age Hillfort (upper), near Stockbridge
  • Fort Nelson Overflow, near Portchester
  • Wall Lane, Silchester