Two hours free parking is not just for Christmas…
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Two-hours free parking will continue at Wakefield Council car parks across the district.
“Anyone coming into our city and town centres can get at least two hours free parking. And it’s not just for Christmas; this offer will continue to support our local businesses and our residents.
“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since we launched two-hours free parking last month, with people telling us how much they value support like this. And how it’s making it easier to spend time in our city and towns.
“It’s making a positive difference to our businesses and residents. So, you can continue to count on us to keep it in place as part of our package of support for the local economy.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
The parking offer includes Council owned off street car parks in the city centre, Castleford, Pontefract, Ossett, Normanton and South Elmsall. It excludes parking at Merchant Gate and in the country parks at Newmillerdam, Anglers and Pugneys. Offering free two-hour parking can boost local businesses in towns and cities by increasing footfall and encouraging longer visits.
On top of the free parking, the Council is providing over £1 million of funding to help businesses improve their shops and increase security. And have recently made sure 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.
The Council has managed local finances responsibly at the same time as focusing resources on frontline services. Those decisions have helped support the reintroduction of this popular free parking offer. And it has been factored into the Council’s financial plans going forward.