Mendip District Council will not charge for parking in any of its pay and display car parks from 19th to 24th December, or on 1st January – including those in Frome.
Free Christmas parking has been running for many years but has recently changed to include all of the council’s 31 pay and display car parks, which will suspend charges for the entire day.
The free period will start on Monday 19th December and will last until Saturday 24th December and also includes New Year’s Day. However, the council is warning shoppers that the time restrictions will still be enforced in areas where parking is only allowed for a specified time. Motorists are advised to check price boards in car parks for restrictions.
Cllr Nigel Taylor, Mendip District Council’s portfolio holder for regulatory services, which includes car parks said, “The aim of the free Christmas parking scheme is to help encourage shoppers into Mendip and spread trade across the day. We want to support Christmas shopping in Mendip and as a further measure of seasonal goodwill, and to encourage drivers not to drink and drive, the council extends free parking to cover all day on New Year’s Day.”
Shoppers are also reminded that a number of Mendip’s car parks already offer a free parking facility including in Frome at the Market Place and Catherine Street car parks.
Nigel Harris, president of Frome Chamber said, “Supporting small businesses is very important and by encouraging shoppers with free parking in the run up to Christmas, the council has taken a very positive step towards helping local traders.”
For more information on Mendip car parks visit www.mendip.gov.uk or contact customer services on 0300 303 8588.
