A BUSINESS chief has warned Winchester City Council about the economic impact of increases in parking charges.

Mark Mills-Goodlet, chairman of the Winchester Business Strategy Group, said the city council's rise will harm the night-time economy.

The council has introduced parking in the evenings, overnight and on Sundays in the central car parks.

Mr Mills-Goodlet has written to city council leader Martin Tod expressing his concerns that the increase will harm evening businesses, such as gyms and restaurants.

He said he is worried that the council is aiming for a car-free city centre to tackle pollution, at a time when electric cars and the Junction 9 revamp at Winnall will cut pollution.

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Mr Mills-Goodlet, managing director of Winchester Motor Company, wrote: "I see Winchester in the grip of a perfect storm at the moment, with the M3 improvements, Garnier Road closed and other road works, all of which make Winchester less appealing due to the inconvenience caused to the motorist."

The strategy group is part of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Mills-Goodlet said he knew of people who no longer visit Winchester because of the increases.

The city council has said it is acting to play its part in tackling unclean air and congestion.

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In a statement on a previous story, Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for the climate emergency, said: “These changes only apply to the most central car parks in the air quality action zone and are designed to cut congestion and improve air quality while ensuring that people continue to visit and enjoy our city centre.

"Importantly, there are still options for free parking close to the city centre in the evenings and on Sundays. There are 'Park & Walk' car parks just a 5-10 minute walk into the city centre including the Cattle Market car park, Worthy Lane, River Park and Chesil street car parks. All these also offer a free one-hour parking option in the daytime too – so many will be free to park in from 5pm. We have purposefully not increased the costs for these car parks. Blue Badge Holders remain free to park at all times in the pay and display car parks in the city centre."