Two hours’ free parking set to continue at council car parks across Wakefield district

Senior councillors are expected to extend the measure which was introduced last year to help entice people back into the city and town centres.

Drivers can park in any publicly-run off-road car park in the district free of charge for two hours, provided they still get a ticket from the machine and display it on their windscreen.

Free car parking was initially introduced in April 2020 to support the local economy and residents during the Covid pandemic.

The scheme was amended the following year to offer two hours’ free parking and then further extended in January this year.Read more: Ossett murder victim named as two people charged

A report to Wakefield Council’s Cabinet states: “The decision to introduce free car parking, and subsequent two hours’ free parking which remains in place, was taken in response to the Covid pandemic to support residents and the district’s local economies.

“Covid restrictions in the UK have now been lifted and businesses and workplaces are allowed to fully open, providing the potential for economic recovery.

“However, emerging factors including the Ukrainian conflict, rising energy prices and consequent inflation are resulting in a cost of living crisis.

“Although the initial reason for introducing the two hours’ free car parking policy may have changed, it remains that the economic situation and rationale for considering extending two hours’ free car parking is arguably at least as strong as it was during the Covid pandemic.”

Cabinet members are expected to agree to the continuation of up to two hours free parking in council off-street car parks at a meeting on Tuesday September 13.

Speaking about the scheme in January this year, Council Leader Denise Jeffery said: “We knew that once we did free parking we couldn’t withdraw it.

“And it has gone down well, I think businesses have appreciated it.

“People can come into town, get their hair done and do their shopping. It’s made a real difference.”

Wakefield Council’s off-street car parks where two hours free parking would be applicable include:

Wakefield City: Rodney Yard, The Granary, Borough Road, Back Garden Street, Tavora Street, Thornhill Street, Unity House, Gills Yard, Carter Street, Rishworth Street, Upper Warrengate.

Pontefract: Stuart Road (Tesco Supermarket), Newgate North, Newgate South, Friarwood.

Castleford: Welbeck Street, Wesley Street, Aire Street, Castlefields.

Normanton: Market Place, West Street, High Street Thompson Street.

Ossett: Banks Yard, Broadheads Yard, Jubbs Terrace, Illingworth Street, Prospect Road.

South Elmsall: Barnsley Road, Camelot Way.

Country Parks: Angler’s Country Park, Newmillerdam.