Two hours free parking to support local businesses
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Two hours of free parking is set to be reintroduced by Wakefield Council in a move to support residents, visitors and businesses.
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 the popular free parking offer, which will provide an important boost to the local economy.
“We’ve been talking to businesses about the announcement, and they’re really pleased we’ve listened to them and are taking this action to support them.
“This decision has been possible because of the grip we’ve had on running Council finances. It shows the value of the work we’ve been doing to become more efficient. Every penny we save by doing things differently will get pumped back into the district, whenever it can be. Residents and businesses can continue to count on us.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
The Council wants local businesses to thrive by removing any barriers to preventing people wanting to visit. Offering free two-hour parking can boost local businesses in towns and cities by increasing footfall and encouraging longer visits.
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.
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 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.
Cllr Morley added: “This is helping even more people experience everything the wonderful businesses in our district have to offer.”
The proposal is expected to get the formal green light at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 16 September. And, if agreed, will be made available later this year.
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.
Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 16 September at 10.30am. The meeting can be watched live or later on the Council’s website.