PLANS have been unveiled to “increase accessibility and safety” as well as add electric car charging spaces at Roundhill car park in Fordingbridge.

New Forest District Council is asking residents for their views.

Cllr Edward Heron, the portfolio holder for planning and infrastructure, said, “We are seeking to modernise the Roundhill car park in Fordingbridge. The changes are mainly to increase accessibility and safety in the car park, but by adding some additional planting we are aiming to make it a nicer environment for both residents and those visiting the town.”

The district council says the number of overall spaces would remain “largely unchanged” and these would include short and long stay spaces, parking for people with disabilities, and new parent and child spaces and electric car charging spaces. Motorcycle parking would also be included as well as a designated taxi drop off/ pick up area.

Car parking ticket prices would not change.

Vehicle access would continue to be from The Bartons and Shaftesbury Street but the proposals suggest the Round Hill access be closed to vehicles to improve pedestrian safety. Other pedestrian access points would remain the same. A speed ramp has also been proposed to control speeds in the car park.

The proposal also includes relocating the recycle banks to the car park on the A338 slip road and retaining of a coach parking bay.

In addition to the layout changes, proposals include improving the drainage to address surface water issues.

The proposals come after discussions with Fordingbridge Town Council and local businesses.

Residents have until October 9 to comment on the plans. For more information go to newforest.gov.uk/fordingbridgecarpark