Wakefield Council extends free parking scheme as high streets reopen

Wakefield Council is extending free parking at all of its cars parks across the district and city and town centre return to life after lockdown.
Wakefield Town HallWakefield Town Hall
Wakefield Town Hall

Charges were suspended in March to allow key workers to continue their important work during the coronavirus outbreak.

The council has today announced that car parking will remain free until Monday, July 6 and it will review what happens beyond then.

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With lockdown beginning to ease, the measure will support residents wanting to visit the city and town centres at a crucial time for many shops and businesses as they begin to open from June, 15.

The council said the move will also enable families to access and enjoy outdoor spaces, and help residents who are struggling financially.

The free parking will also help to reduce reliance on public transport.

Coun Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, said: “We remain committed to supporting our residents, key workers and the business community with the imminent reopening of shops and other businesses - as we start taking the next steps out of lockdown.

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“Although we won’t be able to offer free parking indefinitely, this is the right action at the right time to extend the offer as we welcome people back to our city and town centres. We will continue to encourage everyone to stay safe and follow government guidance on safe social distancing.”

The Government has provided NHS staff and some other essential workers with free parking permits. The council will continue to support the initiative and has updated a national website with all the council’s parking locations, so these staff can find the most appropriate location to use.

The Government said that anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do so.

Everyone is reminded that if they are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if they or anyone in their household are self-isolating, they should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.

The council has provided information to keep residents up to date on its dedicated coronavirus information web page at bit.ly/CoronaWFD