Dudley shoppers get free Christmas parking

Shoppers will be able to park for free in council-run car parks across Dudley in the run up to Christmas.

Charges will be suspended on three Saturdays next month and on one evening to coincide with lights being switched on in the borough's towns, under new plans.

Transport boss Councillor Patrick Harley said the move was a "gesture of goodwill" and it was hoped it would help to boost visitors numbers during the busy festive period.

It could end up costing Dudley Council £20,000 lost revenue from parking charges but extra takings expected during the festive season could bring the shortfall down to £7,000.

The council is proposing free Saturday car parking on December 10, 17 and 24 in Dudley, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Halesowen, along with smaller centres such as Sedgley and Kingswinford.