Wakefield Council to extend free council car parking

​Wakefield Council is extending free parking at all of its car parks across the district until Monday 6 July

​Charges were suspended in March to allow key workers to continue their important work during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Council has today announced that car parking will remain free until Monday 6 July and will review what happens beyond then.

With lock down beginning to ease, the measure will support residents wanting to visit city and town at a centres at a crucial time for many shops and businesses as they beginning to open from 15 June.

By continuing to offer free parking, the action will also enable families to access and enjoy outdoor spaces, and help residents who are struggling financially during these challenging times. The free parking will also help to reduce reliance on public transport.

Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, said: “We remain committed to supporting our residents, key workers and the business community with the imminent reopening of shops and other businesses - as we start taking the next steps out of lock down.

“Although we won’t be able to offer free parking indefinitely, this is the right action at the right time to extend the offer as we welcome people back to our city and town centres. We will continue to encourage everyone to stay safe and follow government guidance on safe social distancing.”

The Government has provided NHS staff and some other essential workers with free parking permits. The Council will continue to support the initiative and has updated a national website with all the Council’s parking locations, so these staff can find the most appropriate location to use.

The Government has reiterated that anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do so.

Everyone is reminded that if they are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if they or anyone in their household are self-isolating, they should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.

The Council has provided information to keep residents up to date on its dedicated coronavirus information web page at bit.ly/CoronaWFD