SOME parking charges in Southampton are set to be scrapped.

Evening parking charges in off-street car parks in the city centre – including multi-storey car parks- will be scrapped from June 21.

Parking will be free Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.

A public consultation on the move is currently underway with a  final decision on the future of the scheme set to be made by cabinet members at Southampton City Council on July 19.

Next month civic chiefs are also expected to decide whether to scrap on-street evening parking in the city centre Monday to Saturday from 6pm  to 8pm.

It comes as residents are currently asked to have their say on the proposals.

The move was among the pledges made by the Conservatives earlier this year before they took control of the city council in the May’s elections.

The authority said the move is part of the council’s Get Southampton Moving campaign aimed at supporting local businesses.

But some concerns have been raised over the impact of the move on council’s finances and the environment.

Cllr Sarah Bogle, shadow cabinet for transport, said: “I think it’s shortsighted and out of step. I don’t think it is the right decision. It is a populist decision.”

Leader of the opposition Cllr Satvir Kaur added: “The Conservatives think scrapping evening parking charges is a silver bullet for our local economy with little to no evidence to support this claim. Labour believe there are better ways to support businesses during this time, instead of a gamble like this that will only result in council cuts elsewhere.”

But Cllr Jeremy Moulton, inset, deputy council leader and cabinet member for transport, said there will be no impact on services and stressed that the administration is committed to freezing council tax next year.

He added: “Scrapping parking charges will help the economy get back on its feet and if we can get more people coming to town that will help the hospitality trade. It is entirely the right thing to do. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to Southampton and enjoy everything our great city has to offer.”

The financial impact of the scheme is yet to be revealed but Cllr Moulton said an amendment to the council budget will be presented to full council next month.

“We’re excited to welcome everyone back to Southampton and enjoy everything our great city has to offer”, he added.

Charges will continue to apply: Monday to Saturday (8am to 6pm) in all council off-street car parks (including multi-storey car parks); Monday to Saturday (8am to 8pm) in all council on-street pay and display locations.

Signage will be in place in car parks and next to parking machines, the council said.The consultation will close on June 25, To have your say visit www. transport.southampton.gov.uk/tro.

The move will apply to the following car parks from June 21: