Free parking will be rolled out across Lancaster city centre to boost festive trade.
Lancaster City Council says charges will be waived across all of its town centre pay-and-display car parks on selected dates in November and December.
Drivers can park for free all day on four consecutive Sundays: November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20.
Parking will also be free after 3pm on Thursday, December 17, to support evening shopping.
Free 3pm parking returns the following week, running from Monday, December 21, to Thursday, December 24.
It applies to all council-operated town centre pay-and-display car parks, including the St Nicholas Arcades multi-storey, which is open until 11pm.
The participating Lancaster sites are Auction Mart, Cable Street, Charter House, Dallas Road, Edward Street, Lodge Street, Lucy Street, Moor Mills 1, 2 and 3, Spring Garden Street, Upper and Lower St Leonardsgate, St Nicholas Arcades, and Wood Street.
On-street parking spaces, the Marketgate car park, and privately operated car parks are excluded from the offer and normal charges will apply.
A festive parking scheme is also being introduced in Morecambe to support coastal retailers.
Councillor Peter Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster Regeneration and Local Economy, said: “We know how important the festive season is for our high streets and these free parking offers are a practical way to support our local traders and make it easier for people to enjoy everything Lancaster and Morecambe have to offer.
“In deciding what days and times to offer the incentive we’ve taken on board the views of the local BIDs.
“It’s clear that businesses in Lancaster and Morecambe will benefit from a slightly different offer, so we’ve tailored the details for each town.”
Lancaster BID has arranged a line-up of festive entertainment to coincide with the late-night shopping dates.
Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, said: “Lancaster BID is delighted that the city council has listened to feedback from businesses about the last Thursday before Christmas still being a good trading evening and we will be encouraging as many businesses to stay open as long as possible."
“Lancaster BID will also be putting on street theatre including The Show Globe, The Santa Bus, Samba Espirito and much more.”
Share