Free festive parking in all Gwynedd Council-run car parks will start next week.
From Monday, 12 December until Tuesday, 27 December people can park without paying in Gwynedd towns and villages as part of the Council’s campaign to promote local businesses over Christmas.
The aim of the programme is to make it easier for people to support the local economy – if they are purchasing presents, buying food and drinks ready for the party season or going to some of the many events and celebrations which will be held all over Gwynedd.
Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said: “Gwynedd’s small shops and businesses are the backbone of our local economy. As a Council we are committed to doing everything we can to help and support them during the current challenging financial climate.
“Shopkeepers and business owners have told us that free parking in the run-up to Christmas helps to attract more customers to the town centres and leads to an increase in business at this crucial time of year.
“Our message again this year is simple – make the most of the free festive parking and get shopping in Gwynedd. It’s the ideal time to support local businesses and to find all kinds of wonderful gift ideas.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for the Environment added: “As a Council, we have already decided to freeze parking fees at current levels whilst a county-wide parking review is carried out. We are confident that providing free Christmas parking again this year in Council-run car parks will encourage as many people as possible to shop locally and provide a festive boost for Gwynedd traders.
“Shopping locally is good for the economy, the environment and is a great way of developing strong community relationships.
Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council Economy and Community Portfolio Leader noted: “Supporting Gwynedd’s shops is a priority for the Council, and the decision to provide free parking between 12 and 27 December is part of our campaign to encourage local residents to visit our town centres and help Gwynedd’s shops and businesses to have a successful Christmas again this year.”
Gwynedd Council has provided free parking in its car parks for the past three years as part of its campaign to support local companies during the challenging economic climate.
