Parking bonus for Christmas shoppers

ROYAL BOROUGH: Shoppers using the Royal Borough’s parking discount scheme will be given two hours’ free parking on weekends in the borough throughout December.

The Royal Borough’s Resident Parking Discount Scheme is being extended to two hours’ free parking on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festive month to provide a boost to local retailers and Christmas shoppers.

The scheme usually provides one hour of free parking in six car parks – Grove Road and West Street in Maidenhead, Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens in Windsor, Horton Road in Datchet and Meadow Lane in Eton.

Residents who have signed up via Ringo for their free virtual permits will be able to take advantage of the extended offer next month.

The second free hour will automatically be applied for those already part of the scheme.

Those who have not signed up to the scheme yet can still do so.

Councillor Phil Haseler, cabinet member for planning, parking, highways and transport, said: “This extension to our Resident Parking Discount Scheme, offering two hours’ free parking on weekends throughout December, will, I’m sure, be welcomed by shoppers in the run-up to Christmas and, in turn, help provide a boost for retailers during this peak trading period by incentivising residents to visit and shop for longer.

“If you’re already signed up to the scheme, I’d encourage you to take advantage of this offer and support our businesses by shopping local.

“If you’ve not signed up, you can still do so and join the thousands of residents already benefitting from genuine savings.

“The introduction of our Resident Parking Discount Scheme earlier this year makes the Royal Borough one of the only local authorities in England to offer such a scheme and I’m pleased we’ve been able to extend it, particularly at weekends over the festive period.”

Applications only need to be submitted once and last for up to two years and applicants do not need a smartphone to apply for permits or use the discounts.