Shoppers will be able to enjoy free parking at selected times in Lancaster and Morecambe in the run up to Christmas.
The initiative, agreed following consultation with the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Lancaster and Morecambe, aims to boost footfall and encourage residents to shop local during the busy festive period.
The offer is available in all of Lancaster City Council’s town centre car parks, including the St Nics multi-storey, which is now open until 11pm.
In Lancaster, parking will be free after 3pm from Monday December 22 to Wednesday December 24, with the offer lasting until 8am the following morning.
Additionally, visitors can benefit from free all-day Sunday parking from November 30 to December 21, again valid until 8am the next day. In Morecambe, parking will be free all day on Saturday December 20 and Sunday December 21.
The same free after 3pm until 8am offer will apply from Monday December 22 to Wednesday December 24, helping to make last-minute shopping and festive outings more convenient
Councillor Peter Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster Regeneration and Local Economy, said: “We know how important the festive season is for our high streets and these free parking offers are a practical way to support our local traders and make it easier for people to enjoy everything Lancaster and Morecambe have to offer.
“In deciding what days and times to offer the incentive we’ve taken on board the views of the local BIDs. It’s clear that businesses in Lancaster and Morecambe will benefit from a slightly different offer, so we’ve tailored the details for each town.”
Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, said: “Lancaster BID would like to thank Lancaster City Council for taking on board feedback from the last couple of Christmases.
‘’The feedback from our businesses over the last couple of years has been Sundays are a much better day for trading in the lead up to Christmas but late night Thursdays seem to be a thing of the past.
‘’The Christmas run up is a very busy time for our businesses and by giving shoppers free parking earlier in the day will hopefully create more dwell time and increase footfall.”
David Waddington, Chair of Morecambe BID, said: “The introduction of free parking at a critical time for our businesses is a positive move, and Morecambe BID have been happy to be able to support the council initiative on this.
‘’We know how difficult the trading environment can be for our high street, none more so than on the run up to Christmas. The added incentive of free after three parking from the 22nd Dec will hopefully make it easier for people to shop local and support the local hostelries.
"On the weekend of 20th December we welcome the free parking on both days as it helps support our new Christmas Markets initiative on Saturday 20th December in Euston Road and of course the hospitality sector with the Christmas Prom Fest."
The free parking offer does not include on street parking, the Marketgate car park, or any other private facilities.
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