Free parking throughout December at Derbyshire Dales council run car parks

In a scheme designed to boost trade, for the 13th year in a row it will be free to park in any district council pay and display car park after 2pm throughout December.

The free parking initiative was introduced by the district council in 2008 to help local residents and businesses during the economic recession.

District council leader, Coun Garry Purdy, said: “It has never been more important to encourage local people to support our business community during the continuing Covid pandemic.

“Christmas is always a vital time of year for Derbyshire Dales traders and we really do hope the current government restrictions will have been eased as we get into December to enable us all to shop local throughout the month.

“I have made it clear on many occasions that we would like nothing more than to make parking free all the time, but local government finances are now tighter than ever.

"The impact of Covid has already reduced budgeted car parking income, which plays an important part in helping us to maintain some of the excellent car parking, environmental and recreational services we provide for local people and visitors.”

The free parking extends to midnight each day and motorists are reminded not to leave anything valuable in their vehicles as the lead up to Christmas can also be a choice time for thieves.

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