Free festive parking on two Saturdays

More than 2,000 free parking spaces are up for grabs in Sunderland in the runup to Christmas.

The Sunderland City Council scheme will run after 3pm, Monday to Friday between December 1115 and 18- 22 .

And, for the first time, parking will be free all day on the two Saturdays before Christmas, December 16 and 23.

It applies to all council car parks, such as St Mary’s, Sunniside and the Civic Centre, with normal charges applying before 3pm on weekdays and on Sundays.

Park Free After 3pm will also continue to run every Thursday throughout the year.

Coun Michael Mordey, Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for City Services, said: “This new and improved Christmas parking offer is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people into the city centre to do their Christmas shopping and support local traders.

“We are seeing significant regeneration in the city centre which should lead to increased footfall.

“We hope that the additional free parking on the two Saturdays before Christmas and after 3pm during the week will be a great incentive for people to explore the attractions the city centre has, whether it’s shopping or Christmas activities such as the market or ice-rink, food and drink, or museums, exhibitions, and shows.”

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, said: “We are aware that parking is often a huge issue for shoppers so this is great news and an added incentive for people to come into the city centre to do their Christmas shopping.”

For full details of all of the car parks included, people can visit www.sunderland. gov.uk/free-parking.