Free parking offer to key health staff
FRONTLINE workers fighting the coronavirus in Kirklees are to be offered free parking in recognition of their “heroic efforts” during the pandemic.
Kirklees Council bosses say they have contacted the NHS and care providers to tell them key staff can park for free in municipal sites while they are on duty.
Some council staff in key services such as health and social care will also be included.
The arrangement
March.
Senior councillor Peter McBride, who is also deputy leader of the council, said: “Frontline workers in Kirklees have more than enough to worry at the moment. We don’t want parking to be an issue for them.
“They are out there saving lives and keeping our society going every single day.
“We want to recognise their heroic efforts. We’re supporting vital workers by making parking free but the rest of
will run
until us can show our support by staying at home for the next few weeks.”
The authority introduced free parking on June 15 last year in all councilrun car parks and parking spaces as part of measures to support businesses following the introduction of lockdown.
The scheme, which had been due to end on August 31, was extended to the end of the year as part of the council’s longer term recovery plans.
Charges came into force again on Monday.
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.
In April 2020 the authority 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. Senior managers of essential services who think that their staff may also qualify for free parking are encouraged to contact parking@ kirklees.gov.uk