A free parking period will be offered in car parks owned by Durham County Council in the run up to Christmas.
The ‘Free after 3’ parking period will apply to council owned car parks after 3pm on every day during December.
Off street car parks and on-street spaces will have charges waived after 3pm. Stickers will be placed on payment machines to advise drivers of the free period.
On Saturday 7th December parking in the same car parks will be free after 10am. This period will coincide with Small Business Saturday.
Kieron Moralee, parking and transport infrastructure team leader at Durham County Council said: “Every year we try to help with one less cost for people, as the run up to Christmas is a busy time and can be expensive.
“Free after 3 also supports local shops who rely on footfall for a prosperous festive period. The free parking after 10am on the 7 December encourages people to shop local and support our small businesses.”
Details of the council’s car parks can be found on www.durham.gov.uk/parking. Durham County Council says that drivers are advised that the parking machines will not be switched off when charges do not apply, and any money paid will not be refunded.