Wakefield Council Plans Reintroduction of Two-Hour Free Parking Across District

Wakefield Council plans to reintroduce two hours of free parking at all off-street car parks in Wakefield city centre, Castleford, Pontefract, Ossett, Normanton, and South Elmsall to support local businesses and encourage more shoppers. This scheme, potentially in place by the Christmas shopping period if approved by councillors, follows the reintroduction of parking charges in April 2023, which aimed to address a £24 million budget shortfall as free parking previously cost the council £1.8 million annually. Council leaders emphasize that the decision responds to requests from residents and businesses for support to help local economies thrive. Alongside free parking, the council is committing over £1 million to help businesses improve shops and security, while maintaining free pavement café licenses to further aid the local economy. However, parking charges will remain for users of country parks such as Newmillerdam, Anglers, and Pugneys. Senior officials highlight that funds saved through efficiency will be reinvested into the district to benefit residents and businesses.