TRADERS in Lymington are calling for two hours’ free parking on the Town Quay.

It is one of three amenity car parks where New Forest District Council is considering making people pay during the winter.

Currently, between March and October, amenity car parks are charged at a premium rate and are free the rest of the year.

Ysabel Purkis, of fashion shop Hide and Seek, said traders feel they have been ignored by the district council because of a lack of signage and a “no right turn” at the bottom of the High Street Hill, which stops drivers having easy access to the Quay.

The proposed charges are the last straw.

“We had a talk and it was decided if they need to charge, to get two hours’ free parking like the supermarkets do, and charge for the rest,” she said.

“Two hours free parking would be a good idea, but I can’t see why all car parks can’t be the same price.”

Bill Ansell at Out of the Blue also said two hours’ free parking in the winter would be the best option.

“In the winter people leave their cars in the car park all day and then go up to London [by train]. They are not shopping here, are they?” he said.

And Graham Johns at Jules complained people who leave their cars all day during the winter were taking traders’ spaces.

Shopper Virginia Gayner from Beaulieu regularly uses the Quay car park and opposes the proposals.

She said: “It’s unique, this place. It’s our Riviera. We need the tourists. It has to be sorted.”

A council spokesman said: “We’re looking at making charges applicable throughout the year because we are maintaining the car parks throughout the winter and are not receiving any income.

“It’s good that the signage problem has been brought to our attention and we will consider all these things as part of the consultation process and would like to be seen working in conjunction with the traders in this matter.”