A FREE parking day will be rolled out across New Forest District Council (NFDC) car parks for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Town and parish councils can now request a single free parking day for one nominated event during the Jubilee celebration period in June in NFDC owned car parks.

Councillor Steve Davies, NFDC portfolio holder for environment and coastal services, approved the decision which will see ticket machines covered up in the respective car parks on whatever day requested.

Sites likely to take advantage of the ruling include Ringwood’s Furlong car park which has more than 700 spaces across its long and short stay parks.

Cllr Davies said: “The cost to NFDC of providing free parking in support of these events will have a small impact on annual car park income but in view of the occasion this loss is considered acceptable and, moreover, it fully supports local businesses and the communities celebrating this historic occasion.”