From April 1, changes to charges in Test Valley’s council car parks came into force.

To encourage residents and visitors to spend longer in the town centres, the three-hour tariff has been reduced and the medium-term charge for over three hours has been frozen.

The cost of season tickets has been frozen, with a monthly direct debit option being offered.

Free parking after 4pm has also been maintained.

Changes will be as follows:

Ultra Short Term:

30 and 45minutes - up 5p

1 hour - up 5p

Short/Medium Term, Alternate Medium Term, Special Medium Term: 1 and 2 hours - up 10p

3 hours - down 20p 4

5 hours - no change

Over 4/5 hours - no change

Long Term/Special Long Term

Up to 2/3 hours - up 10p

Up to 5 hours - up 40p

Over 5 hours - up 60p

TVBC says it is four years since the last increase for long- stay and all-day tariffs and parking in Test Valley is generally still lower than in neighbouring districts.