Free parking trial extended in Newport
Published: 21 November 2022
Shoppers visiting short-stay car parks in Lugley Street, Sea Street and Chapel Street have been able to enjoy up to one hour of free parking since May.
The scheme was launched by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council to tempt more shoppers into the town centre.
It has been extended for a further six months to support local retailers, many of whom, even before the latest cost-of-living and energy crisis, are still struggling with the massive impact left by the pandemic.
Latest figures show that between 24 May and 14 November, the trial witnessed 59,106 more parking transactions across the three car parks than the same period in 2021.
Lynn Kennie, from Lynn's Crafts in Scarrots Lane, said: "The free hour has helped the businesses as people walking along Scarrots Lane are no longer inclined to rush back to the car park and are taking their time to visit the local shops.
"It is brilliant news that the trial will be extended for a further six months."
The initiative is part of the Shaping Newport partnership programme that brings together business and councils to develop a new future for the county town.
Drivers who want to take advantage of the extended trial will need to obtain and display a free parking ticket from the machines.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "I know the trial has been hugely popular and welcomed by local businesses; so, it gives me great pleasure to extend it for a further six months.
"Working with our partners, we are fully committed to working on a range of innovative projects which will support our towns to thrive and prosper in a post-pandemic society.
"These schemes demonstrate the commitment to work with the town and parish councils across the Island in bringing the best outcomes for their communities in a joint approach and by working together in partnership.”
The scheme was launched by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council to tempt more shoppers into the town centre.
It has been extended for a further six months to support local retailers, many of whom, even before the latest cost-of-living and energy crisis, are still struggling with the massive impact left by the pandemic.
Latest figures show that between 24 May and 14 November, the trial witnessed 59,106 more parking transactions across the three car parks than the same period in 2021.
Lynn Kennie, from Lynn's Crafts in Scarrots Lane, said: "The free hour has helped the businesses as people walking along Scarrots Lane are no longer inclined to rush back to the car park and are taking their time to visit the local shops.
"It is brilliant news that the trial will be extended for a further six months."
The initiative is part of the Shaping Newport partnership programme that brings together business and councils to develop a new future for the county town.
Drivers who want to take advantage of the extended trial will need to obtain and display a free parking ticket from the machines.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "I know the trial has been hugely popular and welcomed by local businesses; so, it gives me great pleasure to extend it for a further six months.
"Working with our partners, we are fully committed to working on a range of innovative projects which will support our towns to thrive and prosper in a post-pandemic society.
"These schemes demonstrate the commitment to work with the town and parish councils across the Island in bringing the best outcomes for their communities in a joint approach and by working together in partnership.”
