Cheshire East boosts towns with more free days of parking

Cheshire East Council is to offer four free parking days to help boost our towns and businesses as we continue to emerge from Covid restrictions.

A previous, similar parking incentive scheme is due to expire on 31 August 2022. The free parking days allocation is in addition to existing free parking after 3pm at a number of designated car parks throughout the year.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “The past two years and more of the coronavirus pandemic and Covid restrictions have been really tough for everyone. So, this free parking allocation is some good news for our residents and businesses.

“The move aims to support our towns, villages and local service centres to have the flexibility to support special events and busy periods, such as autumnal activities and festivals and the run-up to Christmas.”

Councillor Laura Crane, vice chair of the council’s highways and transport committee, said: “This is an excellent incentive, which is in addition to the continued ‘free after 3pm’ parking available on a number of car parks across the borough.  

“We have made this decision earlier in the year in order to support and help our local town and parish council event managers, who are already scheduling in a number of community events into the calendar.”

The car parks authorised for this four free days incentive are:

• Macclesfield: Duke Street; Exchange Street; Churchill Way; Park Green; Sunderland Street; Town Hall and Whalley Hayes; 
• Crewe: Civic Library; Gatefield; Holly Bank; Delamere Street; Wrexham Terrace;
• Nantwich: Snow Hill; Civic Hall; Bowling Green;
• Congleton: Fairground; Back Park Street; Princess Street;
• Alderley Edge: South Street;
• Knutsford: Princess Street; Silk Mill Street; King Street; and
• Wilmslow: South Drive; Hoopers; Spring Street; Rex.

Cllr Browne added: “The council faces severe financial pressures – with increased demand for key services and significant cuts in funding over recent years. However, we wanted to help give towns and high streets an extra boost – and as a thank you to our residents for their support and patience during the challenges of the pandemic.” 

The offer of free parking will be considered on those car parks predominantly used by shoppers and the parking services team would welcome advanced liaison from the relevant councils and notice of the chosen days. This is to ensure there are no other programmed events taking place. 

The days chosen by the participating councils will follow consultation with their elected members, event organisers, local shops and businesses and charity event organisers. In return, the council requests feedback on these initiatives to ascertain their effectiveness for both shoppers and businesses.