Stay for free at 95 car parks until end of year
TO HELP BUSINESSES RECOVER
MOTORISTS and commuters in Kirklees will continue to be able to use 95 municipal car parks for free until the end of the year.
The scheme, which was due to end on August 31, has been extended by Kirklees Council as part of its longer term recovery plans.
Free parking was introduced on June 15 in all council-run car parks and parking spaces as part of measures to support businesses following the introduction of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It has now been extended to help support businesses in the run-up to Christmas and during the festive period. The decision follows feedback from the business community in the borough.
However, the authority has stressed that periods of stay will still be enforced, as the council says it is important that short stay spaces close to shops are available “for those popping in to do some shopping”.
In April, the council revealed that restrictions on non-essential travel meant that workers were not using car parks.
It said it expected to lose parking revenue of around £260,000 for every four weeks in lockdown. Addressing the new extension Clr Peter McBride, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said it was ‘essential’ that businesses were given support during what he described as the post-lockdown ‘recovery period.’
He added: “We’ve had positive feedback from businesses and residents on the impact of free parking.
“Waiving parking charges is just part of our longer term recovery plans, making sure that town centres come back stronger following the virus, in order for us to achieve our blueprint ambitions for both Huddersfield and Dewsbury.”
Council leader Clr Shabir Pandor said organisations such as Dewsbury Forward and Dewsbury Chamber of Trade had highlighted how much free parking had helped the local economy.
He commented: “We have to support our local businesses the best we can to help them recover from what has been a crippling financial period for so many. Free parking is one of the most effective ways that we can support them to bounce back.”
According to its website, the council offers more than 7,000 parking spaces in 95 off-street locations as well as more than 1,200 on-street pay-and-display spaces.