Council announces free parking in Christmas run-up

Dorset Council is offering free parking in some of its car parks ahead of Christmas

A council is offering free parking in the run-up to the festive season.

Dorset Council said the initiative was intended to support local businesses and encourage residents to shop locally.

Free parking will be available in council-run car parks in Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Corfe Castle, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne.

Councillor Richard Biggs said: "Christmas can be an expensive time, especially with the current pressures on household budgets."

The JustPark app and ticket machines in participating council car parks will show no charge but on-street parking charges will still apply.

Charges will also still apply at car parks not listed on the authority's Christmas parking page on its website, it said.

"By offering free parking, we're encouraging people to shop locally and support the fantastic independent businesses that make our towns so special," said Mr Biggs.

Councillor Jon Andrews said the free parking on "key dates" meant people could "spend more time browsing, shopping and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere without worrying about the meter".

Full details of participating car parks and dates can be found on the council's website.