News
Weekly free parking confirmed for Ripon in 'Toll-Free Tuesday'
Monday 28 July 2008
The free parking is intended to bring visitors back to Ripon
Free parking for shoppers is being launched in the city next month in a bid to boost trade.
Harrogate Borough Council has agreed to waive charges in all the city's car parks every Tuesday over the summer to try and coax back shoppers and visitors who have been put off by road closures and diversions.
Coun Mike Gardner, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: "We have been asked what we can do to assist the businesses in Ripon and what we can do is give a free day's parking every week."
The previous idea of a 'Free Friday' was changed to 'Toll-Free Tuesdsay' in an attempt to encourage visitors during the quiet mid-week period. The free parking begins on August 5 and is expected to continue for six - eight weeks.
County Councillor and Ripon businessman, Bernard Bateman was one of those behind the idea. He said the equivalent of £10,000 in free parking had been earmarked for Ripon by Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.
"I'm very pleased that both councils have been so supportive of our businesses in Ripon and are helping us to get business back," said Coun Bateman.
"By business and councils working together we can actually achieve a lot more."
