Parking Clock

The clocks have been brought out earlier this year to encourage more people to buy in November rather than leave it until just before Christmas. They can also be purchased online and by credit or debit card over the telephone.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Economy, Jeremy Heron was the first to purchase one of the new clocks, at Appletree Court in Lyndhurst. He said: “Last year the vast majority of clocks were sold over the counter during the two weeks before Christmas which meant lengthy queues.

“I would like to urge residents to think about buying early or to buy online or via the telephone. We strive to deliver the very best customer service at all times to our residents and we want to avoid people waiting in long queues to be served.

“Whether you are an occasional visitor to New Forest town and village centres or you leave your car all day to go to work, the NFDC clocks provide excellent value for money. “If you compare the cost of similar schemes in neighbouring authorities or the price of buying tickets through the machines, you will understand why 60,000 people signed up last year.”

There are two main options for residents:

• A short stay clock, which remains at £8 for the year, will give you up to three hours parking in any NFDC town and village car park. If you wish to stay for longer in the long stay section, you must buy a ticket for the difference in time. It is not valid in the council’s amenity car parks on the coast.

• A long stay clock which remains at £80 for a year or £44 for six months will give you parking in a long stay bay for more than three hours. It will also allow you to park for up to three hours in a short stay bay and in any of the council’s amenity car parks on the coast.

There are special clocks available for those regularly using Lyndhurst Community Centre for more than three hours and the Hythe Ferry, but these clocks must be purchased from these two locations and there are special conditions attached. Full details of these schemes are available on the following page.

Car parking clocks can be bought at any New Forest District Council office including visitor information centres and health and leisure centres. They can be purchased online by visiting www.newforest.gov.uk or by telephone, with a credit or debit card on 01590 646123. A full list of outlets is available in the travel section.