Free parking announced at all Lancaster City Council car parks

The city council said that all non-essential travel should of course be avoided, but there are many key workers who still need to travel every day, such as those in the NHS who are providing vital care, and the emergency services.

Suspending charges will assist these workers to provide their vital services, as well as reducing contact with pay and display machines, further helping to limit the potential spread of coronavirus.

It should also reduce pressure on residential streets, with key workers being able to park closer to their places of employment.

Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “We should all be avoiding non-essential travel, but many key workers still require their own car so they can continue to provide the services we will need to get through this pandemic. With this decision we are ensuring there are now thousands of free parking spaces available to the people who are working so hard to keep us safe.”

Please note that this measure only applies to Lancaster City Council’s own car parks – other operators will have made their own decisions and it’s recommend that you check when parking your car."

Charges will initially be suspended while the non-essential travel ban is in place, and will be reviewed as the government issues new guidance on travel.

A full list of car parks is available on the city council’s website at Lancaster.gov.uk/parking.