Two hours free as Wakefield Council scraps parking charges
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Residents, businesses and visitors look set to get a boost as plans to reintroduce two hours free parking across the district are announced.
“I’m really pleased that we’re bringing back the two-hour free parking offer as soon as possible.
“We’ve listened to local businesses and our residents who’ve been telling us how much they value support like this. Making it easier to spend time in our city and towns.
“Residents and businesses can continue to count on us. Every penny we can save from being more efficient or doing things differently will get pumped back into the district, whenever we can.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
The proposal includes all council owned off street car parks in the city centre, Castleford, Pontefract, Ossett, Normanton and South Elmsall. It excludes parking in the country parks at Newmillerdam, Anglers and Pugneys.
“We know residents want to see our city and town centres thriving. And we want more people to spend more of their money with our amazing local businesses.
“On top of the free parking, we’re providing over £1 million of funding to help businesses improve their shops and increase security. And have recently ensured that pavement café licences remain free. As well as boosting footfall by continuing to bring great events to the high street, including at our local markets. All helping more people to experience everything the wonderful businesses in our district have to offer."
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
The plan is expected to get the formal green light at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 16 September. Council officers will then need to start the legal process to make the changes as required by the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (RTRA). This could be completed in the next 12 weeks.