Parking in Fareham
Where to park in the town centre and how much it costs
Parking in Fareham town centre is reasonably straightforward, with several car parks serving the shopping area. The provision is adequate for a town of this size, and finding a space is rarely a major problem outside the busiest pre-Christmas period.
Fareham Shopping Centre has a multi-storey car park with direct access to the covered shopping area. It is pay-on-exit, with charges that are moderate by town centre standards. The first hour is typically free or reduced, encouraging short visits for a quick shop or a coffee. Longer stays are charged at an hourly rate. The car park is busiest on Saturdays and during the pre-Christmas period, but spaces are usually available even at peak times.
The Osborn Road car parks provide surface parking within a short walk of the High Street. These are pay-and-display, with tariffs set by Fareham Borough Council. Charges are modest, and the car parks are rarely full outside peak times. Payment can be made by coin or by phone using the signs displayed.
On-street parking in the town centre is limited due to the pedestrianisation of the High Street. The surrounding streets have a mix of restricted and unrestricted parking. Yellow lines apply on the main roads, and some side streets have time-limited bays. Reading the signs carefully is advisable, as enforcement does operate.
The railway station has its own car park, which is popular with commuters. It fills early on weekday mornings, and late arrivals may need to park in the surrounding streets. The station car park charges a daily rate that is reasonable for a full day's commuting.
For those visiting the outlying areas, parking is generally easier. Titchfield has limited on-street parking near the village centre, which can be tight during events and on busy weekends. Hill Head has a small car park near the harbour. Locks Heath Shopping Village and Whiteley Shopping Centre both have extensive free parking, which is one of their advantages over the town centre.
Disabled parking bays are provided in the town centre car parks and on nearby streets. Blue Badge holders can park for free in the pay-and-display car parks and in designated on-street bays.
Cycling is an alternative for shorter journeys, and there are cycle racks on the High Street and at the railway station. Bus services converge on the town centre, reducing the need for car parking for some journeys.
Overall, parking in Fareham is not a major problem. It lacks the chronic shortages seen in larger towns and cities, and the charges are reasonable. The pedestrianised High Street means you cannot drive to the shops, but the car parks are close enough that the walk is short.