Free parking days offered this December to help local shoppers and businesses
Shoppers in Vale of White Horse can take advantage of free parking in the towns this December as a helping hand towards buying local.
Starting on 2 December and running until 23 December, free car parking is being provided at various sites in Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage, by the Vale of White Horse District Council, to encourage people to visit their independent shops for Christmas gifts to help support local businesses.
Drivers will be able to park for free in local car parks on these following Saturdays:
- Abingdon: 2, 9 and 16 December
- Faringdon: 2, 9 and 16 December
- Wantage: 9, 16 and 23 December
On the selected days there’s no need to display a ticket, however maximum stay times still apply in specific car parks. The car park machines will also indicate free parking.
Free Christmas parking days also means people won’t have to pay to park if they wish to catch up with friends and family in the great pubs, cafés and restaurants found across the district’s towns during the festive period.
Cllr Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Waste, said: “Christmas gives us the perfect opportunity to visit our great selection of independent traders offering original gifts, many of which are made or sourced locally. Not only can you find really unique presents, you’ll also help support our local businesses.”
The free parking days in each town are agreed with the individual town councils depending on which day would best suit local traders.
Cllr Coleman added: “Whilst ideally, we’d urge everyone to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible – we recognise that being a largely rural district some people will need to use their cars to drive into town. If you can car share with others, that would also really help reduce congestion and local air pollution.”
People can find out more information on all the car parks from the council’s website – www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/carparks
