A popular scheme to waive weekend car parking charges in the run-up to Christmas, which the council has operated for the last three years, is set to be extended to cover weekend parking for the whole of the three months November 2011 to January 2012.
For every weekend from 5/6 November to 29/29 January 2012, parking will be free at all 38 council car parks where charges normally apply. The concession also includes charges for on-street parking.
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.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of the council, 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 council cabinet is set to confirm the free parking proposal at its meeting on 18 October. An evaluation will later be carried out to see how successful the extended period of free parking has been.
