Charges for blue badge holders in off street car parks dropped after trial period
The decision follows a six month trial in nine high-demand car parks
Southampton City Council has completed a six month trial of charges for blue badge holders between 1 November 2020 and 30 April 2021 in nine of its off street car parks.
The charges were intended to encourage the turnover of vehicles so that spaces in high-demand car parks were available for all car park users when they needed them. The council made a commitment to consult with blue badge holders and with Spectrum throughout on the impact of the scheme. After reviewing this feedback - and taking into account the reduction in demand seen at many of the trial sites due to the impact of COVID-19 - we have decided to withdraw the scheme.
The change will be carried out immediately by removing the tariff boards outlining charges for Blue Badge Holders at the 9 trial sites.
Councillor Jeremy Moulton, Cabinet Member for Growth, commented: "We made a clear commitment while in opposition that we would remove this scheme and keep off street car parks free for blue badge holders. Now that we've reviewed the feedback from the trial with officers, it is clear that the charges are unnecessary and we will be removing them with immediate effect. We are pleased to follow through on our commitment at this early stage."
The trial took place in the following off-street car parks:
- Albion Place - SO14 2DD
- Castle Way - SO14 2BN
- Harbour Parade - SO15 1BA
- Southbrook Road South - SO15 1GP
- Southbrook Road North - SO15 1GQ
- Wyndham Place - SO15 1GD
- Commercial Road – SO15 1GD
- Grosvenor Square North - SO15 2DA
- Kings Park Road - SO15 2AY
