Motorists are being reminded that they can now take advantage of free afternoon parking at many car parks around County Durham.
Durham County Council has introduced free parking after 2pm in its on and off-street car parks.
The change, which comes into force today (Thursday, 1 April), was agreed last month and will be reviewed every three months.
Drivers do not need to display a ticket if parking after 2pm, but they are warned that ticket machines will continue to accept payments and, unfortunately, these cannot be refunded.
Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “It’s not possible to stop the ticket machines from accepting payment for just part of the day, so people do need to remember not to pay for their parking after 2pm.
“There will be notices on ticket machines advising people not to use them when the free parking period is in operation, but I’d also like to take the opportunity to remind them.”
Parking will continue to be free all-day for NHS staff, health and social care workers and NHS volunteers (critical care workers) in county council car parks and on-street bays.
Those eligible for all-day free parking will need to apply to their employer for a government permit to be displayed in their car.
Free parking is not available at council car parks at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield, Wharton Park Durham, or Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street.
Further information on Durham County Council car parks can be found at durham.gov.uk/parking.