Christmas shoppers in Harborough to enjoy free Saturday parking in December

The district council hopes the free parking will encourage residents to shop local. Photo by Chad Madden.

For the first time in a number of years Christmas shoppers will benefit from free weekend parking in parts of the the Harborough district.

In the run up to the festive season, Harborough District Council is offering free parking on Saturdays in a bid to boost the local economy.

The free parking will apply to all council-owned car parks in Market Harborough and Lutterworth, every Saturday in December.

The council announced the decision this morning (Wednesday) in a meeting with the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

District council leader Phil Knowles said: “This initiative is supporting residents and businesses alike in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. By suspending parking charges we are showing our commitment to ensuring that our town centres don’t just survive, but thrive. I encourage people to take advantage of this fantastic offer and to use this as an opportunity to shop local.”

Shoppers can park for free for up to four hours in short stay car parks, and all day in long stay car parks in Harborough and Lutterworth.

Drivers will still need to register their stay through the Pay by Phone App or by getting a free ticket from the ticket machines. Drivers must still enter their vehicle registration and are able to benefit from one free parking period per day.

Free parking will be available in the following council-owned car parks:

Short stay car parks in Market Harborough:

Sainsbury’s

St Mary’s Road West

Symington Way

Mill Hill Road

King’s Head Place

Doddridge Road Short Stay

The Commons

Long stay car parks in Market Harborough:

Springfield Street

St Mary’s Road East

Symington Recreation Ground

Doddridge Road Long Stay

Angel Street

Long stay car parks in Lutterworth:

Chapel Street

Church Close

George Street

Station Road

Council-owned car parks are already free to use after 6pm Monday to Saturday, on Sunday and bank holidays.

Blue Badge holders should set their display clock on arrival at the car park, as normal, and will be permitted four hours free parking in short stay car parks, and all day free parking in long stay car parks, without the need to get a pay and display ticket.