Free Parking On Saturdays In Run-Up To Christmas

There will be free parking in Market Harborough on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

It is hoped the move will encourage people to ‘shop local’ and support shops and businesses in the town centre, many of which have been closed for the past few weeks, but will be able to open again next Thursday, when the national lockdown ends.

Harborough District Council will offer four-hours free parking in its short-term car parks and will waive charges all day in its long-term ones.

The initiative will start on December 5th, which is Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to support independent retailers, and continue on the two following Saturdays, the 12th and 19th.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of the Council, said: “It has been an extremely challenging year for businesses and shoppers and by once again offering free parking I hope it will encourage people to shop locally and invest in the local economy. Following another period of national lockdown, retailers need support from residents; we hope this initiative will get tills ringing as it has in previous years.”

Drivers will still need to register their stay through the Pay by Phone App or by getting a free ticket from the pay and display machines, although will not have to enter their registration number.

The Council has offered free parking on Saturdays during the festive period for the past few years, with traders reporting a higher footfall in the town centre.

The initiative will also run in Lutterworth.

Free parking will be available in the following Council-owned car parks:

Short stay car parks (up to 4 hours) in Market Harborough:

• Sainsbury’s
• St Mary’s Road West
• Symington Way
• Mill Hill Road
• King’s Head Place
• Doddridge Road Short Stay
• The Commons

Long stay car parks in Market Harborough:

• Springfield Street
• St Mary’s Road East
• Symington Recreation Ground
• Doddridge Road Long Stay
• Angel Street

Long stay car parks in Lutterworth:

• Chapel Street
• Church Close
• George Street
• Station Road

Blue Badge holders should set their display clock on arrival at the car park, as normal, and will be permitted four hours free parking in short stay car parks, and all day free parking in long stay car parks, without the need to get a pay and display ticket.

Council owned car parks are already free to use after 6pm Monday to Saturday, on Sunday and bank holidays.