Visitors to the Hart Leisure Centre in Fleet, Hampshire, are now subject to a three-hour free parking limit, in effect from early February 2026. Anyone who needs to stay longer must register their vehicle’s number plate on the digital tablets at reception to avoid a penalty charge.
The car park uses ANPR cameras to record when vehicles arrive and leave the site. If a visitor stays for more than three hours without signing in on the reception tablets, they may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) posted to the vehicle’s registered keeper. The change is intended to deter commuters and other non-users from occupying spaces intended for leisure-centre patrons.
Everyone Active, which manages Hart Leisure Centre on behalf of Hart District Council, says the rule helps ensure spaces remain available for people attending classes and using the facilities. Hart District Council owns the centre; the council’s 2025/2026 draft budget referenced proposed parking charge increases across council-run car parks in general, but it does not specifically mention the centre’s three‑hour rule.
The new system could affect local sports clubs and people attending long events such as swimming galas, who often spend several hours at the centre. TripAdvisor user reviews include complaints reporting parking charges of up to £100 for overstays.
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