Gloucester shoppers and festive events goers will be able to park in the city for free more often this December 2024, with new dates and times announced by Gloucester City Council.
Visitors to the city can park for free at five council-run car parks — Westgate Street, Station Road, Hare Lane North, Eastgate Shopping Centre and Kings Walk Shopping Centre — every Thursday in December 2024 after 3pm.
The council says the free parking will enable visitors not to feel rushed and enjoy some late-night Christmas shopping, too.
It is also offering free parking all day on Saturday 7 December 2024 at Westgate Street, Station Road and Hare Lane North for Small Business Saturday — a nationwide campaign which encourages shoppers to support local and independent retailers in the run up to Christmas.
And for the first time this year, the council is also offering free parking after 3pm over three days from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 December 2024 at the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Kings Walk Shopping Centre car parks, which together have more than 600 spaces.
Councillor Declan Wilson, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council and cabinet member for performance and resources, said: 'We’re delighted to offer even more free parking to encourage people to enjoy shopping and support retailers in Gloucester this Christmas.
'Free parking makes it even easier to shop locally, discover unique gifts and enjoy supporting our local economy.
'When we shop local, we’re investing directly in the heart of our community, helping small businesses thrive and creating a more vibrant and connected place to live.'
Emily Gibbon, manager at Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID) said: 'Small and independent businesses are the lifeline of our city.
'We need to support them as much as we can throughout the year and days like Small Business Saturday give us the opportunity to showcase the wonderful array of small businesses we have here in Gloucester.'
