Free parking extended
Free parking in town centres and car parks across Dudley borough has been extended until at least the end of May.
Dudley Council has been running free parking throughout much of coronavirus pandemic in a bid to support businesses as they start to recover.
As non-essential shops are now able to open in line with the government’s roadmap to easing restrictions, it is hoped extending free parking will encourage shoppers back into town centres and shopping areas.
Earlier this month, the council pledged to keep free parking until the end of April but has extended it for another month.
Heidi Marsh-Geyton, acting director of public realm at Dudley Council, said:
As more businesses are now able to open in our town centres, we hope free parking will encourage people to return to our high streets and local centres and support the recovery of those businesses which have been hit really hard in the last 12 months.
Free parking will be extended until the end of May, we’ll then look to review it for the summer months.
Dudley Council originally suspended all car parking charges on their car parks in March last year during the first lockdown, which replaced the council’s existing offer of two hours free parking during the day and free parking overnight. It has continually reviewed and altered parking arrangements to support communities during the pandemic.
People with parking season tickets will see payments suspended for an additional period.
All other parking conditions still apply, such as the permitted duration for the short and long stay car parks, and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will continue to be enforced.