Visitors to Mansfield will soon be able to park for 30 minutes for free in all Mansfield District Council surface car parks.

In addition, drivers parking in the Four Seasons and Walkden Street multi-storey car parks will be able to park for three hours for the price of two hours.

Cashless parking will also be introduced at the council’s 17 car parks with no administration fees for those who pay by mobile phone.

The decision was taken by the mayor Kate Allsop.

The new parking fees, which are designed to encourage visitors and residents to spend longer in the town centre and contribute to revitalising the district, will take effect following a consultation process. They will be introduced until 31 March 2016.

Car parking income could potentially reduce by £180,000 a year. The impact of the changes will be monitored monthly ahead of a decision being made on whether to include the revised charges in the 2016/17 budget.

Before the changes are implemented, a Car Park Order (CPO) must be published for consultation. It is hoped that the consultation process will be completed by mid-September.

Mayor Allsop said: “These measures are all about boosting business and enabling our local economy to flourish. Offering an extra free hour when buying two hours car parking in our multi-storeys will encourage people to spend longer in the town centre, where they can make use of our excellent shopping facilities.

“For those people, who wish to make shorter trips without incurring parking charges, the introduction of half hour free parking will provide an added incentive for shoppers to come into the town centre and make that quick purchase.”