Free parking to launch in Stansted and Saffron Walden over Christmas
It's part of a plan from the local council to help out local businesses
Free parking is coming to Essex towns from next month, in a move the local council hopes will boost trade in its major centres over the Christmas period.
Parking in council-run pay and display car parks in Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow and Stansted Mountfitchet will be free on certain days over November and December.
At a cabinet meeting on October 20, Uttlesford District Councillors said the plans could increase footfall in the district’s town centres, promote local shopping and improve access to local services.
Councillor Richard Freeman (Residents for Uttlesford, Saffron Walden Castle) said one of the days would be Christmas lights switch-on day in Saffron Walden, set to be November 18.
He said: “We have a policy of having some free car parking in the major towns over Christmas. It has to be sorted out well in advance.”
According to a report, parking in the three towns, except Fairycroft Road car park in Saffron Walden, will be free all day on 25 and 26 November and between Christmas day and New Year’s Day.
Additionally, it will be free in Saffron Walden, except Fairycroft Road, on 18 and 30 November and 7, 14 and 21 of December, the report continues.
In Stansted Mountfitchet, parking will be free on 1, 8, 15 and 22 November and in Great Dunmow on 1, 8, 15 and 22 of December.
The report says there is an expected loss of ÂŁ11,910 to the council for the three town centres and ÂŁ10,745 for between Christmas and New Year.