Bolstering public transport in the New Forest would require funding cuts for other services, according to a senior councillor.

The Conservative administration was challenged on why profits from car parking income could not be used to give residents more options to get around the district.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Totton South Caroline Rackham said the Hythe Ferry remained out of action, there were still no buses direct to Southampton General Hospital and a lack of bus routes in the New Forest limited people’s work options.

At a full council meeting on Monday, April 14, Cllr Rackham asked why the profits from car parks, which she quoted as being more than £1million a year, could not be used to fund a community health bus, a Calshot bus service and to relaunch the Hythe Ferry.

She said it was “clear” Hampshire County Council would not contribute to a decent public transport system.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “The money generated by the council’s car parks is already accounted for, both covering the operational costs as well as supporting delivery of a raft of other council services and operations as part of our balanced budget.

“I can’t help but wonder which of the current services offered by this council, so valued by the residents, the councillor would propose we stop funding or delivering to meet her requests.”

The portfolio holder gave homelessness prevention as an example of one of the key area’s the council supported.

Cllr Rackham said: “Obviously I am not suggesting that we stop services.

“I wonder then if we can use the car park profits, which I’m surprised at, can some other funds such as the CIL (community infrastructure levy) funds be diverted to community transport instead.”

CIL contributions are collected from developers who deliver planning schemes.

The money provides provides funding to help deliver infrastructure that is needed when developments are carried out.

In reply, Cllr Blunden said: “The applications for CIL money follows a procedure and that is considered by task and finish group and members in the appropriate way.

“It is well defined what CIL money can be used for.”