CAR PARKS across Fareham are to reopen next month, it has been revealed.

Charges are to apply to all council run car parks from June 1.

But the authority has said that all NHS and key workers will be able to park at its surface only car parks for free.

All surface car parks, with no barriers, in Fareham town centre that are managed by Fareham Borough Council will be free to use for critical key workers, as identified by the Government.

Fareham Borough Council Executive Leader Councillor Seán Woodward said: “Whilst many of our residents are doing their part to minimise the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home, NHS and key workers are on the frontline fighting it daily.

It is so important to do everything we can to support our valued NHS and key workers, so from 1st June, NHS and key workers will able to park in council owned surface car parks, without barriers, without worrying about payment or time restrictions.”

We ask that critical key workers place evidence in the windscreen of their key worker status such as a letter from your employer confirming your key worker status, or a photocopy of your work pass with sensitive information removed.

If key workers do not have any evidence to place in their windscreen and receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), they will need to contact us via phone 01329 236100 or email parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk, providing evidence of their key worker status and it will be revoked immediately.

Whilst these car parks are now free to use for key workers, we ask that they pay attention to other parking restrictions that will still be in force such as yellow lines or Disabled Parking pays.

We ask residents and visitors to bear in mind the Government’s advice to stay at home, and to only come into the town centre if absolutely necessary.