Civic chiefs are poised to introduce a new volunteer parking permit following the backlash over increased city centre charges. 

Winchester City Council came under fire for introducing the new charges in July.

Parking on a Sunday for more than four hours has increased from £2.10 to £17. This is an increase of £14.90 or 709.5 per cent. 

Also, the previously overnight free period from 7pm to 8am now costs £3.30.

However, a new permit for volunteers will be discussed at the cabinet member for climate emergency decision day on Monday, October 9.

READ MORE: Winchester city centre parking charges should have been wider

The city council surveyed various groups that use volunteers such as Winchester Churches Night Shelter, Play to the Crowd operators of Theatre Royal Winchester, St Peter's Church, Winchester Community Choir, Hope Church Winchester and Winchester BID.

The results showed that 90 per cent of people were in favour of the new permit. They would allow free parking for volunteers during the evening in the city centre car parks.

An additional tariff for up to one hour between 7pm and 8am, to be charged in line with the daytime rate, will also be introduced. Instead of paying £3.30 it will be £1.80.

In the cabinet's report, it said: “Following the introduction of the new tariffs in July 2023, further targeted engagement has been undertaken with specific groups who have reportedly been affected by the introduction of overnight charges. These have been primarily those who run subscription-based businesses such as gym operators and those who rely on volunteers to provide services to the community.

“Where new evening charges have been introduced, further engagement has identified the introduction of a permit that Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations could apply for to allow free parking for core members of those organisations during the evenings. These could, for example, be organisations catering at an evening café for vulnerable people, for whom the cost of parking may put off their volunteers.

“Subscription-based businesses are different from the majority of commercial operations in Winchester as they potentially rely on individuals attending their facilities regularly during the early morning or early evening and paying in advance, rather than making occasional visits such as attending a restaurant or any other similar business.

“The removal of any evening charge, or the extension of daytime charging further into the evening was considered and rejected as this would not align with the council’s desire to maintain accessibility into the city centre, whilst reducing emissions and improve air quality within the city centre nor would it meet policy objectives.”

The decision will be made on Monday, October 9, at 10am.