Motorists make the most of free parking

Free afternoon parking is now available at a number of car parks around County Durham.

Motorists are being reminded that they can now take advantage of the initiative, which came into effect on Thursday.

Durham County Council has introduced free parking after 2pm in its on and off-street car parks.

The change was agreed last month and will be reviewed every three months.

Drivers do not need to display a ticket if parking after 2pm, but are warned that ticket machines will continue to accept payments and, unfortunately, these cannot be refunded.

Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “It’s not possible to stop the ticket machines from accepting payment for just part of the day, so people do need to remember not to pay for their parking after 2pm.

“There will be notices on ticket machines advising people not to use them when the free parking period is in operation, but I’d also like to take the opportunity to remind them.” Parking will continue to be free allday for NHS staff, health and social care workers and NHS volunteers in county council car parks and on-street bays.

Those eligible for all-day free parking will need to apply to their employer for a government permit to be displayed in their car.

Free parking is not available at council car parks at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield, Wharton Park Durham, or Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street.

Visit www.durham.gov. uk/parking