SHOPPERS visiting towns across the East Riding this Christmas will be able to park for free.
East Riding Council's cabinet yesterday approved proposals for free parking in council car parks in towns such as Beverley, Bridlington and Goole in the run-up to Christmas.
Pay-and-display machines in the council's car parks and on-street parking locations will be clearly marked to let shoppers know there is no charge for weekend car parking, starting on Saturday, December 6.
Beverley Chamber of Trade chairman Julian Minshall said: "This is superb news for shoppers in the East Riding.
"The news will be very well received by traders who are doing everything they can to make sure people shop locally this festive period.
"The free car parking will also go along way to make sure this year's Christmas celebrations in Beverley are bigger and better than ever."
All council car parks will be free on Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20, and Sundays, December 7, 14 and 21.
There will be no charges from 8am on the Saturday to 8am on the following Monday.
Normal parking rules will still apply, such as those around disabled parking bays and maximum stays.
Suspending payment for weekend car parking will cost the authority in the region of £40,000.
East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: "The East Riding is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse market towns in the country.
"Suspending parking charges to help bring shoppers to the East Riding in the run-up to Christmas is a practical way this council can help boost the local economy."
Speaking at the cabinet meeting yesterday, East Riding Councillor Jane Evison said she hoped businesses would take advantage of the scheme.
She said: "This is an early Christmas present for local businesses.
"I do hope businesses will take this opportunity to make optimum use and do their bit to attract people to their towns."
East Riding Councillor Richard Harrap also voiced his support for the scheme.
He said: "It is a great boost for the local economy in what will be the busiest shopping time of the year.
"I do suggest though, that when the signage goes up, it makes people aware that maximum stays will still apply, so that people don't just think they can leave their vehicles anywhere."
The free parking scheme this year forms part of the council's support for Small Business Saturday, a national day that aims to promote the importance of small and independent traders.
Cllr Parnaby said: "The council recognises that, due to the current economic climate, we are all having to watch our expenditure and schemes such as this have a real and tangible benefit for local businesses and they are well received by residents.
"It is quite fitting that the first day of free parking will coincide with Small Business Saturday, a national initiative that this authority is delighted to support."
'Good support for traders'BEVERLEY trader David Bird has welcomed the council's decision for free car parking on the weekends running up to Christmas.
He said: "It's good to see the local council is going to support local businesses in their most important trading time.
"This will encourage people to use their local high street and it will save people money at what is the most expensive time of year.
"Anything that helps to bring people into their local town centre is a positive move."
