Attempts to freeze or limit an increase in car parking charges across the New Forest have been defeated.

Proposed amendments from both Liberal Democrat and independent councillors were not supported by the Conservative administration.

The car parking charge increases, which come into effect from January 1, 2025, are expected to generate an additional £380,000 for New Forest District Council.

All off-street car park charges and parking clock prices will rise.

One of the biggest changes will see the £1 fee for an hour’s parking increase to £1.50 in all council car parks.

READ MORE: Forestry England set to introduce parking charges in New Forest

The price of an annual district-wide long-stay clock is going up from £220 to £230, with £5 rises for both the three-month long stay (£65 to £70) and the annual shoppers’ parking (£40 to £45) clocks.

Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Wade proposed an amendment to freeze the car parking fees and charges for 2025 at a full council meeting on Monday, October 14.

He said the council increased charges above inflation 12 months ago

“One of the big problems is some of the lowest paid people are shop workers, and charity shop workers don’t get money at all, and they have to park their cars in our car parks and pay these extraordinary high charges,” Cllr Wade said.

He added: “It is not like we need the money. We could give something back to the people of New Forest who need help and support.

“I know that’s not the Conservative way to give but it is the Liberal Democrat way.

“To care about our residents and think we should give something back to them because we don’t need to take all the time.

“If you don’t give, at least don’t take. Give them a year off and then raise them with inflation next year. It is such a big rise. We are using the motorist as a cash cow.”

READ MORE: Free parking announced in New Forest in run up to Christmas

Conservative portfolio holder for finance and corporate Cllr Jeremy Heron said the council faced significant pressures.

He disagreed with suggestions that high parking charges were the reason why town centres were struggling.

“The reason that we have troubles with shops, more than the car parking, is online shopping,” Cllr Heron said.

“We have to balance our books. Five pence off the parking is not going to fix the problems of Amazon and our shopping centres in the New Forest.”

Cllr Wade’s amendment was defeated by 28 votes to 16.