Free parking at district council-operated car parks in and around Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth is extended until August

In line with government guidance and to assist key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic there has been no charge to park in the district’s 27 council-operated car parks.

Now with the announcement that non-essential shops and businesses will be opening from 15 June, Councillors have made the decision not to reintroduce tariffs until 1 August to encourage local people to come back to the high streets after many weeks of closure.

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for business, Cllr Richard Hales, said: “The past three months have been tough for our retailers, particularly those who have been forced to close completely.

"The council is now doing everything it can to support our local economy as businesses start to reopen.

"I very much hope that residents will take advantage of the extended free parking in and around our town centres, to go back to their favourite shops, especially our many small independents who have been hardest hit.”

The council's portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger added: “Those coming in by car are advised to use the long-stay car parks, as we will be taking steps to ensure that the short-stay parking spaces closest to the main shopping areas are left free for the disabled and those with restricted mobility.

"We have welcomed the considerable reduction in traffic in our town centres during the lock-down period and the sharp increase in cyclists and we hope that the temporary traffic measures put in place will allow this to continue.”