Free parking to encourage Christmas shoppers

North Kesteven District Council A sign attached to a parking meter at night, offering free parking on Saturdays in December in North Kesteven District Council-owned car parks. A tree and buildings stand in the background.North Kesteven District Council
Free parking will help ensure a 'vibrant' December in Sleaford, the council says

Two councils are offering free parking in the run-up to Christmas.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) and North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) have announced free parking in some towns on selected days during December.

Free parking will be available in Grantham and Stamford on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as on Christmas Eve.

Council-run car parks in Sleaford will be free on every Saturday in December.

In Grantham and Stamford, people will be able to enjoy two hours' free parking in short-stay car parks, and three hours in long-stay car parks, on the selected days between 2 and 24 December.

Drivers will need to use the ticket machine or register on the RingGo app.

The car parks taking part in Grantham are:

  • Guildhall Street (Greenwoods Row)
  • Wharf Road Multi Storey
  • Watergate
  • Conduit Lane
  • Welham Street Multi Storey

Those taking part in Stamford are:

  • Bath Row
  • Scotgate
  • St Leonard's Street
  • North Street
  • Cattlemarket
  • Wharf Road

Councillor Richard Cleaver said the offer would "support both our residents and our town centre businesses".

'Vibrant time'

In Sleaford, there will be no need to display a ticket.

Free parking will be available on every Saturday in December at the following car parks:

  • Money’s Yard
  • Cogglesford Watermill
  • Station Road car park
  • Brydone Way car park
  • Westgate car park
  • Church Lane car park

Parking will be free as usual on Sundays and weekday evenings after 18:00 GMT.

Councillor Richard Wright said December was "a vibrant time in Sleaford" and he hoped free parking would "encourage more people to visit".

Sleaford will host festive events including Christmas markets, a light switch-on, a Christmas tree festival and a lantern procession.

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