WOKINGHAM Borough Council has confirmed residents will be able to enjoy free parking in the festive period.
Car parks across the borough will be free of charge on the two Saturdays before Christmas, December 17, and December 24.
In previous years, parking has been free on every Saturday in December but, due to financial pressures, this has not been possible this year.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council said: “No one wants to cancel the free festive parking – of course we don’t.
“But, we are in a very serious financial position and we need to do the right thing to keep the council afloat and keep our services up and running.
Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, felt it was important to find a compromise on this situation.
He said: “We know free festive parking has been popular for many years, and not offering it would seem unfair given the pressure we all feel.
“We felt it important to find a good balance – a compromise – between protecting our finances and supporting our residents and local shops.
“For reasons beyond our control, our finances are increasingly limited and the money we lose by not charging for festive parking will have to be found elsewhere in our budget.”
The council has advised drivers not to pay for parking on the days using the on site machines or Ringo.
Both will continue to accept payment on the free parking days and the council will not provide refunds. There will be signs up at all applicable car parks.
The list of applicable car parks:
Wokingham
- Carnival Pool Multi Storey, Wokingham
- Cockpit Path, Wokingham
- Denmark Street, Wokingham
- Easthampstead Road (East and West), Wokingham
- Rose Street, Wokingham
- Shute End, Wokingham
Woodley
- Crockhamwell Road, Woodley
- Headley Road, Woodley
- Lytham Road (East and West), Woodley
Twyford
- Polehampton Close, Twyford
Wargrave
- School Lane, Wargrave
