Free evening and Sunday parking extended in Southampton
Free parking to be extended to on-street bays in Southampton city centre (plus there’s £1 bus travel on offer too)
Southampton City Council has confirmed that following the suspension of evening and Sunday parking charges in council-operated off-street locations, and the conclusion of a public consultation, charges are also set to be removed from on-street bays in the city centre.
The decision, which was made unanimously by Cabinet councillors, means that from 1 August 2021, parking charges will be formally lifted:
- Monday to Saturday (6pm to 8pm) in city centre on-street pay and display bays
This is in addition to free parking which is already available:
- Monday to Saturday (6pm to midnight) in city centre off-street car parks (including multi-storey car parks)
- Sunday (12noon to 6pm) in all council off-street car parks (including multi-storey car parks) until 2 January 2022
Further information is available on the council website, in car parks and next to parking machines.
The move forms part of the council’s Get Southampton Moving campaign, which is designed to welcome people back to the city centre safely and support local people and businesses as Southampton recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
And in more good news for Southampton’s night-time economy, Bluestar and First Southampton are offering £1 fares (per single journey) on all city centre routes after 6pm, Monday to Sunday. For more information, including details of the operators’ Southampton city zones, please visit Blue Star Bus and First Bus.
The council is working closely with partner organisations, plus major venues and attractions in the city, to promote the campaign and encourage customers to make the most of the new parking and bus travel initiatives.
Councillor Jeremy Moulton, Cabinet Member for Growth, Southampton City Council, commented: “Now that all legal restrictions have been removed, we want people to safely enjoy everything Southampton has to offer, whether that’s visiting the shops, watching a film at the cinema or meeting friends for a meal at one of our great restaurants. And thanks to free city centre parking and discounted bus fares, we’re helping to make your money go further so you can support local businesses and Get Southampton Moving.”
Giles Semper, Executive Director of GO! Southampton (Business Improvement District), said: “The pandemic has hit local businesses hard, so we’re pleased the council has committed to lifting park charges in the city centre and giving residents and visitors the opportunity to support city centre industries at this critical time.”
Mark Lovell, Interim Operations Manager, First Southampton, said: “We’re delighted to offer our £1 single fare after 6pm which is perfect for evening shopping, a meal, catch a film, walk the city walls or drinks with family and friends! This offer of £1 single fare per journey will run until Sunday 5 September, and also applies to Solent Ranger X4/X5 (within the Southampton zone).”
Andrew Wickham, Managing Director, Bluestar, added: “Now that restrictions are being lifted, we want to continue our bid to improve air quality in Southampton, whilst at the same time supporting the local economy. So, until 5 September, people can travel with us for £1 after 6pm – perhaps for a drink with friends in town, a meal out, a family trip to the cinema or a BBQ with family. Buses have the potential to take many cars off the road. Much of our fleet is equipped with Euro 6 low emissions engines, so travelling with us can lead to fewer carbon emissions across Southampton. We’re hoping this initiative will encourage more people to use sustainable transport this summer.”
Charges still apply:
- Monday to Saturday (8am to 6pm) in all council off-street car parks (including multi-storey car parks)
- Monday to Saturday (8am to 6pm) and Sundays/Public Holidays (12noon to 6pm) in all council on-street pay and display locations
City centre off-street car parks offering free parking:
- Albion Place
- Amoy Street
- Bedford Place MSCP
- Bevois Valley
- Bond Street
- Castle Way
- Civic Centre Forecourt
- College Street
- Commercial Road
- Compton Walk
- Crosshouse Hard
- Eastgate MSCP
- Gloucester Square
- Grosvenor Square (North)
- Grosvenor Square MSCP
- Handford Place
- Harbour Parade
- James Street
- Kings Park Road
- Marlands MSCP
- Mayflower Park
- Northam Road
- Ordnance Road
- Six Dials
- Southampton Street
- Southbrook Road North
- Southbrook Road South
- Trinity Road
- West Park MSCP
- Wilton Avenue
- Wyndham Place
