City ends free parking at its car parks

Two hours of free car parking has ended at 17 sites across Southampton

Drivers will no longer get two hours free parking after new charges have come into force at a city's car parks.

Southampton City Council has introduced the changes at its sites across Bitterne, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston.

The local authority previously said the changes would raise more than £500,000.

Traders near the affected car parks had opposed the plans and said it would "drastically reduce" footfall for nearby shops and businesses.

The new rates of 50p for one hour and £1 for two hours have replaced the current two-hour free option from 08:00 to 20:00.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, member for environment and transport, said the new tariffs would "support the operation and maintenance of the sites".

He added: "Over the next few months, we will be monitoring usage and footfall at our district centres to see if they are significantly affected by the new tariffs and if there is such an impact, the tariffs will be reviewed."

A permit scheme has been brought in to allow parents to park for free at certain car parks for school pick-ups and drop-offs.