Free parking for shoppers in the run up to Christmas
Thousands of parking spaces will be made free in the region in the run up to Christmas as part of efforts to attract more shoppers to the High Street, it was announced today.
Council bosses have announced charges will be suspended on selected evenings and Saturdays in December.
Dudley, Cannock and Wyre Forest Councils have pledged to offer free festive parking while Wolverhampton, Walsall and Sandwell Councils are considering their options.
In Dudley borough, 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.
Prices will be suspended on 40 car parks across the borough where charges are currently in place.
Charges will also be suspended on one evening to coincide with late night shopping and the Christmas lights switch on in Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen and Brierley Hill.
Fees in Dudley usually range from 40p for an hour to over £2.50 for over three hours, while in Cannock they range from 90p an hour up to £11.50 for six hours depending on the location.
Dudley transport boss Councillor Judy Foster said: "The suspension of car park charges is seen as a goodwill gesture on behalf of the council and an added incentive for shoppers to visit the borough on the run up to Christmas."
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 around £10,000.
Cannock Chase Council will offer free parking on all of its car parks on December 15 and 22.
Sandwell Council spokesman Dave Lawley said a decision on whether to offer a similar scheme would take place on November 16.
Walsall Council spokesman Kim Neville said the authority had provided free parking for last two Christmas periods and was currently considering the matter.
Meanwhile free car parking will also be available across Wyre Forest before Christmas and over the New Year.
It will apply to all Wyre Forest District Council car parks after 4pm and for the first time the authority is also offering all-day free parking on selected car parks on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
They are Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster, Dog Lane, Bewdley, and the car park at the rear of the Civic Centre, off Martin's Way, Stourport.
The scheme will run from November 17 through to January 13.
