Park and ride charges to increase 22%

Park and ride users in Winchester will pay an extra pound per day from next month. 

Winchester City Council posted “notices of variation for charges” across park & ride car parks.  

It said that the price for all-day parking will increase from £3.50 to £4.50 and seasonal tickets will rise by 28%. 

Some park and ride users were critical of the increase.

One woman, who uses the service regularly, said: “I’m surprised. I haven’t read anything about that at all.

“It does seem quite a steep rise.”

A tourist visiting from Canada said: “I think the service will remain high class, but it may be a hardship for some people who may find it less affordable.”

But another man, who lives in Winchester, said: “It’s so easy, it’s worth paying. I mean, where else would we park in Winchester?”

The Winchester Green Party said any increase in charges needs to be considered carefully to ensure that users are not put off using the service.

“Park and ride plays an important role in Winchester’s transport network. 

“It helps reduce congestion in the city centre, supports air quality objectives and provides an alternative to driving into some of Winchester’s busiest streets.

“From a climate perspective, the long-term objective should be to make sustainable travel options attractive, convenient and accessible.  

“For many residents and visitors, park and ride remains an important part of that mix, particularly for journeys where walking, cycling or conventional public transport are not practical.”

The council said it will still be free to park on Sundays but there are no buses.

Drivers can also park for free after 4pm as long as they get a ticket.

Winchester City Council was contacted for a response.