Free parking trade boost

In addition, drivers parking in the Four Seasons and Walkden Street multi-storey car parks will be able to park for three hours for the price of two hours.

Cashless parking will also be introduced at the council’s seventeen car parks with no administration fees for those who pay by mobile phone.

Mayor Kate Allsop said: “These measures are all about boosting business and enabling our local economy to flourish. Offering an extra free hour when buying two hours car parking in our multi-storeys will encourage people to spend longer in the town centre, where they can make use of our excellent shopping facilities.

“For those people, who wish to make shorter trips without incurring parking charges, the introduction of half hour free parking will provide an added incentive for shoppers to come into the town centre and make that quick purchase.”

The new parking fees, which are designed to encourage visitors and residents to spend longer in the town centre and contribute to revitalising the district, will take effect following a consultation process.

The provision of free parking for 30 minutes will help residents to visit the town centre for a short time at no cost.

The new fees will be in force until March 31 2016.

Car parking income could potentially reduce by £180,000 a year for the authority

A spokesman for Mansfield District Council said the impact of the changes will be monitored monthly ahead of a decision being made on whether to include the revised charges in the 2016/17 budget.

Before the changes are implemented, a Car Park Order (CPO) must be published for consultation. It is hoped that the consultation process will be completed by mid-September.