Free parking for an hour in the heart of the Isle of Wight’s county town will continue into the new year.
The parking pilot — which allows shoppers to park in three car parks in Newport — was initially started in May 2022 as a six-month trial but has been continuously extended due to its success.
Continue until February 2024
It will now continue until February 2024 with the backing of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, which will stump up more than £16,000 to keep it going.
Councillor Matt Price said the community council must continue to support the pilot as it was difficult to put into figures how much local businesses benefitted from the free hour of parking.
While he supported the pilot, a much wider look at parking inequalities around the Island was needed, Councillor Price said.
Comparison against other towns
Councillors agreed and highlighted other parts of the Island which have more on-street free parking than others, which does not affect town centres or high streets.
Councillor Price said Newport had long been a cash cow for the Isle of Wight council as it brought in 77 per cent of the parking income across the whole Island, despite not having a major tourist attraction or beach.
Questions were asked about what would happen after February.
Cost neutral deal
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, the cabinet member for regeneration, said they were looking at another deal to come into place after February which was cost neutral.
While the community council contributes financially to the parking scheme, the Isle of Wight Council also has to find money to cover its lost income.
Some councillors were calling for a stronger evidence base to see how much the free parking pilot really delivered in economic benefits.
Free-hour car parks
To take advantage of the free parking, shoppers can park in Lugley Street, Sea Street and Chapel Street car parks.
A free ticket is needed from the machine or it can be done via the parking app, PayByPhone.
The scheme was introduced to bring people back into the town, boosting trade for local retailers after the Covid pandemic.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
