TDC Introduce Free Second Hour’s Parking in Town Car Parks to Boost Local Economy Recovery

The proposals are being introduced to assist the recovery of town centre shops and businesses from the unprecedented adverse effects on trading experienced as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses lost significant income during their enforced closure under lockdown rules and have since been operating under new restrictions limiting the number of people allowed in their premises, and requiring compliance with face mask, gel sanitising and distancing measures. As a result of these factors queues have often formed outside some premises with customers then rushing to complete their trips before their parking expires. Councillors hope that the new “buy one – get one free” parking offer will allow people to dwell longer and have time for other activities, perhaps a spot of dining, during their visits.

The scheme has an estimated cost of around £43K representing the income that will be sacrificed in support of the initiative and will come from money the Council previously received from Government for new homes built in the area.

Councillor Bob Hicks – Chair of Community and Resources Committee and Lead member for the Economy said:

“There is a simplicity to this scheme and the prospect of immediate implementation that has supported these proposals through to todays decision. As Councillors we very much hope that it will allow town centres to continue to recover and thrive in what are still very challenging trading conditions. We would now urge all of our residents and tourists alike to get behind the scheme and shop and spend locally wherever and whenever they can.”

The buy one hour get a second hour of parking free scheme applies to Town Centre Car Parks in Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington only. Please check the Council website for a full list of sites.