Preston City Council has confirmed when free parking on two car parks will be in the run up to Christmas.

The free parking will be on Penny Street, off North Road, and Tenterfield Street, near Preston Magistrates’ Court.

The free parking will go ahead once the second national lockdown is due to end (Wednesday 2 December).

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These are the dates that free parking will be available at Penny Street and Tenterfield Street:

• Wednesday 2and Thursday 3 December free after 3pm,
• Sunday 6 December free all day, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December free after 3pm,
• Sunday 13 December free all day,
• Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December free after 3pm,
• Sunday 20 December free all day,
• Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December free after 1pm.

A request was received from the Preston City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Mark Whittle, for the city council to consider free parking on the approach to Christmas following a meeting of the Retail Forum.

This initiative is to try to boost businesses following the second national lockdown – which has seen non-essential shops closed for a month.

Mark Whittle from Preston Business Improvement District (BID) said: “We are delighted that the City Council has agreed to BID’s request to offer free parking on key days.

“The city centre, which is at the heart of our community, has had a challenging year.

“Together with a wider free parking offer from others, it will go some way to encourage people to visit and support the businesses who will be working tirelessly to offer a safe and vibrant experience.” 

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The city council has been supporting the successful festive free parking initiative for several years.

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Lancashire County Council, University of Central Lancashire and the commercial operators of the larger car parks for similar support, including both the St George’s and Fishergate shopping centres have also been approached for them to offer free parking too.

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