Free parking for an hour in the heart of the Isle of Wight's county town will continue into the new year.

The parking pilot — which allows shoppers to park in three car parks in Newport — was initially started in May 2022 as a six-month trial but has been continuously extended due to its success.

It will now continue until February 2024 with the backing of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, which will stump up more than £16,000 to keep it going.

Cllr Matt Price said the community council must continue to support the pilot as it was difficult to put into figures how much local businesses benefitted from the free hour of parking.

While he supported the pilot, a much wider look at parking inequalities around the Island was needed, Cllr Price said.

Councillors agreed and highlighted other parts of the Island which have more on-street free parking than others, which does not affect town centres or high streets.

Cllr Price said Newport had long been a cash cow for the Isle of Wight Council as it brought in 77 per cent of the parking income across the whole Island, despite not having a major tourist attraction or beach.

Questions were asked about what would happen after February.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, the cabinet member for regeneration, said they were looking at another deal to come into place after February which was cost neutral.

While the community council contributes financially to the parking scheme, the Isle of Wight Council also has to find money to cover its lost income.

Some councillors were calling for a stronger evidence base to see how much the free parking pilot really delivered in economic benefits.

To take advantage of the free parking, shoppers can park in Lugley Street, Sea Street and Chapel Street car parks.

A free ticket is needed from the machine or it can be done via the parking app, PayByPhone.

The scheme was introduced to bring people back into the town, boosting trade for local retailers after the Covid pandemic.