FREE parking will be available in the New Forest for four days in the run up to Christmas, the council has said.

As in previous years, it is New Forest District Council’s intention to allow four days when charges do not apply in town and village centre car parks to “assist businesses”. 

These days include Small Business Saturday on December 7, the last weekend before Christmas on December 21 and 22 and an additional day where town and parish councils may request free parking in support of their Christmas events. 

Councillor Geoff Blunden, cabinet member for the environment and sustainability, made the decision on October 1. 

A ‘consultation period’ has now opened for councillors to ‘call in’ the decision if they feel it is the wrong decision. 

Once this period ends on October 8 and if no objections have been made, the car parks will be made free. 

BCP Council has been asked about its parking arrangements this Christmas.