Parking will be free from 8am to 6pm in all Shropshire Council car parks from 12 to 25 April.
It’s hoped that the free parking will encourage people to visit local businesses once the current lockdown measures are eased in line with the government’s roadmap. If the reopening date moves from 12 April, the dates of this offer will be amended.
And with social distancing measures set to be back in place in the county’s town centres, visitors will also be able to visit towns safely, as well as for free.
On-street parking charges will remain so that the parking bays can be used for those needing to use the 15 minutes’ ‘pop and shop’ free parking, and to provide short-stay and easy access to essential services in the town centres – especially for those who find it difficult to walk significant distances.
Parking is already free in all surface car parks after 6pm – but charges will continue to apply in Raven Meadows multi-storey after 6pm and overnight.
Current season ticket and residents’ permits for Shropshire Council car parks will be extended by two weeks.
Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We know that this year has been a challenging one for our town centres, for our local businesses, and for the local economy. We hope this offer will give our traders a much-needed boost once the current lockdown restrictions are eased by encouraging shoppers and visitors to our towns.
“It’s never been more important to think local and shop local – our local businesses will very much welcome your custom – and we hope this offer will help encourage people to do so.
“Clearly health and safety will remain a top priority. Our town centres will have social distancing measures in place to support safer shopping, and we remind people using our car parks and visiting our town centres to follow latest Government guidance, and take note of any signage.”
The free parking offer doesn’t include Prees Heath HGV Coach and Car Park; Crossways HGV, Coach and Car Park in Church Stretton; and the car parks at The Bog, at The Moors and Castlefields near The Mere in Ellesmere, and the Severn Valley Country Park car parks at Alveley and Highley.
For car park locations, and other parking information, go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/parking.
Due to social distancing guidelines, numbers are currently limited on public transport, including park and ride.
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