Shoppers set for free Christmas parking

The scheme, which applies to all 38 council car parks and on-street parking where charges apply, was introduced three years ago and is to be extended to the end of January.

Subject to approval by East Riding Council’s Cabinet, the measures would be in place from the weekend beginning November 5 and end on January 29.

Parking charges will be suspended from 8am on the Saturday to 8am the following Monday.

Pay and display machines in the council’s car parks and on-street parking locations will be clearly marked to let people know there are no charges for these weekends.

Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “We know how well received the Christmas period free parking has been and now I am pleased to extend the scheme for the whole of the Christmas and New Year shopping period.

“The council is conscious of the financial pressures people are under at this time and free parking will help lighten their load and encourage everyone who wants to do their shopping in the East Riding.

“The scheme will also be of real and tangible benefit to local businesses which are facing extremely difficult trading conditions. Free weekend parking is a way the council can help fight the economic downturn.”

The Cabinet is expected to confirm the proposals at its meeting on October 18.

Hull Council is proposing to introduce free parking on Sundays in November and December, but is facing opposition over plans to then increase charges from January.

Hull-based members of the Federation of Small Businesses has criticised plans to increase on-street parking charges in the city by 15p to £1.45 per hour, and for parking in car parks from £1.60 to £1.80 for a two-hour stay.