Free parking to continue – for now

South Kesteven District Council is to extend free parking in its car parks across the district for a further month to support Monday’s initial phase of the reopening of town centres

Free parking in council-run car parks was initially introduced in March to support key workers and others who needed to make essential journeys by car during lockdown.  The decision was due to be reviewed on 30 June but Cabinet agreed yesterday  (16 June) to extend this period until the end of July agreed by informal Cabinet.

The Government announced that from Monday, retailers will be able to open for business, as long as they are compliant with all the Covid-19 guidance. Official posters have been produced by Government, which shops should display clearly in their shop windows to show that they have taken all the necessary steps and are Covid-19 secure. Once businesses have taken the necessary steps to ensure they are Covid-19 secure they should complete and display the Government poster.

The council is working with public sector partners, business and community groups, and volunteers to support this next phase of recovery.  A variety of posters and signs about social distancing are already available on the council’s website for businesses to download. 

Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “Businesses have faced a particularly challenging time over the last few weeks and this is a positive step towards South Kesteven’s economic recovery.

“It is important that we all work together as we enter this next phase of recovery. I would urge people to support the reopening of our town centres, but to do so safely to help guard against the spread of the virus and any localised spikes in the number of cases of coronavirus.”

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Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations said: “We want to encourage residents and shoppers to support our local high streets as restrictions are eased, and we hope that the short extension to free car parking will help to support this initial phase.”