Free parking for festive shoppers to help trade

A free parking boost for Dales shoppers is hoped to helped traders in the advent of the festive season.

Once again, Derbyshire Dales District Council is encouraging people to shop locally this Christmas by introducing free parking across the area from December 1.

In the scheme designed to boost trade, it will be free to park in any district council car park after 2pm throughout December.

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Council leader Councillor Lewis Rose said: “Over the past year we have made it clear just how important car parking income is in helping to maintain the local services we provide in tough economic times for local government. But that doesn’t alter the fact that we will continue to do everything we can to encourage people to shop locally. It’s one of the reasons we are committed to retaining the free parking permit that goes out to all our 33,000 households every year.

“So free parking from 2pm throughout December comes on top of residents’ parking concessions that allow local people to park free every day of the year up to 11am and after 4pm. Over the Christmas period, Dales residents have free parking for 21 hours each day – before 11am and after 2pm. The aim is to help local people and local traders.”

Free parking extends to midnight each day and motorists are reminded not to leave anything valuable in their vehicles to avoid car break–ins over the festive period.