Motoring & Transport, New Forest | Posted on October 6th, 2025 | return to news

Four free parking days in December to support New Forest businesses

New Forest District Council (NFDC) has announced it will provide four days of free parking to support its local businesses and communities.

The council is offering the free parking days as an incentive for people to shop locally, to support New Forest businesses, and to engage in festive community events.

The first of the free parking days in NFDC town and village centre car parks will be on ‘Small Business Saturday’ on 6 December 2025. This annual national campaign encourages consumers to shop local all year round and support small businesses.

Other parking days include 20 and 21 December 2025, and an additional day where town and parish councils can request free parking in support of their Christmas events.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: “Our high streets are the heart of our towns and villages, and an important part of our local economy. We hope the free parking days will support our communities to explore our high streets at a vital time for local businesses, allowing them to thrive and grow.”