Free parking is to continue in certain short-stay car parks in Newport after the Isle of Wight Council extended the trial.
It means shoppers visiting Lugley Street, Sea Street and Chapel Street car parks can stay for up to one hour for free, for another six months.
The scheme was first launched in May, as part of a council and Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council partnership designed to tempt more shoppers into the town centre.
The council says it will help support local retailers, many of whom, even before the latest cost-of-living and energy crisis, are still struggling with the massive impact left by the pandemic.
Lynn Kennie, from Lynn's Crafts in Scarrots Lane, said:
"The free hour has helped the businesses as people walking along Scarrots Lane are no longer inclined to rush back to the car park and are taking their time to visit the local shops.
"It is brilliant news that the trial will be extended for a further six months."
Latest figures show that between May 24 and November 14, the trial witnessed 59,106 more parking transactions across the three car parks than the same period in 2021.
The initiative is part of the Shaping Newport partnership programme that brings together business and councils to develop a new future for the county town.
Drivers who want to take advantage of the extended trial will need to obtain and display a free parking ticket from the machines.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said:
"I know the trial has been hugely popular and welcomed by local businesses; so, it gives me great pleasure to extend it for a further six months.
"Working with our partners, we are fully committed to working on a range of innovative projects which will support our towns to thrive and prosper in a post-pandemic society.
"These schemes demonstrate the commitment to work with the town and parish councils across the Island in bringing the best outcomes for their communities in a joint approach and by working together in partnership.”
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