Case for Free Parking Access to Open Spaces for Physical and Mental Wellbeing

A case for Free Parking to Access to Open Spaces for Physical and Mental Well being practice

Open spaces play a crucial role in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing, and access to these spaces should be easy and affordable for everyone. A few years ago, I would park at Hayling Seafront daily, taking advantage of free parking between 6am and 9am, and between 6pm and 10pm. During these times, I would go for a 5-10 km cycle/walk/run and follow it with a short mindfulness practice, all of which took about 90 minutes. This routine was not just about personal fitness—it was essential to maintaining my mental health and overall wellness, allowing me to perform better at work and contribute more effectively to my community as a firefighter.

Back then, I saw many citizens like myself doing the same, walking their dogs, sea swimming etc — utilising these early morning or evening hours to engage in exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of our amazing local environment. Today, however, the seafront is nearly deserted during these hours. The reason? Parking, which used to be free, now requires payment even during the times that were previously exempt. Worse, there’s now a £70 "Wellbeing Pass" required for frequent access, a costly irony for those of us trying to maintain our wellbeing.

For someone like myself, whose variable salary is around £6,000 pa, even £70 for a parking pass is out of reach. This has directly impacted my ability to maintain the same level of physical and mental health, as I'm forced to reconsider my trips to the seafront. If I can’t afford to park, I lose access to the environment that used to keep me in shape and help clear my mind. This issue affects many others like me who are also challenged financially, especially during a persistent cost of living crisis.

Economic and Social Impact of Free Parking for Wellbeing Hours

If the council truly prioritises public wellbeing, it should seriously consider reintroducing free parking during these hours. The financial income generated by enforcing paid parking during these early and late timeslots is likely to be close to non-existent. The majority of people visiting the seafront or parks at these hours are there for short-term physical and mental health benefits. Reinstating free access would not result in a significant revenue loss but could bring about tremendous benefits to the local community. It would also demonstrate a more caring side of the council not seen for many decades

Healthier, happier citizens are more productive, take fewer sick days, and engage more in their communities. They also contribute more to the local economy, whether through volunteering, working harder, or simply spending more in local businesses. By eliminating the parking charges in early mornings and late evenings, the council would be fostering a more vibrant, engaged, and healthy population, which in turn leads to economic benefits through increased tax contributions, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced social capital.

Free Access Equals True Wellbeing Promotion

The introduction of a costly “Wellbeing Pass” undermines the very goal HBC claims to support. If we want to promote wellbeing, we need to remove barriers, not create new ones. Offering free parking access to open spaces for even a few hours a day could make a significant difference to citizens’ lives—particularly those who are struggling financially or have limited access to other wellness resources. I would advise against the council bleating the wellbeing pass “costs just a few pence a day” – if people like me and some in the wider community cannot afford it they simply cannot afford it [full stop]

Promoting physical activity and mental health through accessible open spaces is a win-win for both citizens and the council. It’s time to make these spaces available once again during these key hours, allowing all citizens—regardless of income—to enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise and mental health practices. This simple change would have a profound and lasting positive impact on the wellbeing of the community, making Hayling seafront and similar spaces in the borough more accessible to everyone.