The festive free parking offer begins on Saturday 21 November, coinciding with the Christmas lights switch-on celebration. Visitors will be able to park for free all day on the five weekends leading up to Christmas Day. Additionally, last-minute shoppers can benefit from free parking at all council-operated car parks on the final four shopping days before Christmas, from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December. This initiative aims to support town centre businesses and the council's 'Shop Rugby' campaign.
The free parking offer applies to several town centre car parks, including North Street, Little Church Street, Railway Terrace, Old Market Place, John Barford, Newbold Road, Town Hall/Evreux Way, Gas Street, Chestnut Fields, and Westway.
Cllr Louise Robinson, leader of Rugby Borough Council, encouraged residents to utilise the free parking and support the town centre. "Our plan to revitalise Rugby town centre is delivering results - for example each town centre event this year has increased visitor numbers by up to 20 per cent compared to the same event last year," Cllr Robinson stated. "The Christmas period is vital for businesses and the free all day parking offer aims to encourage more visitors to come to town and stay for longer during the festive season."
Following the Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 21 November, the town centre will host a Christmas market on Saturday 28 November and a lantern parade on Saturday 19 December. Further details on the Christmas events programme are expected next week.
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, deputy leader of the council, added: "I would urge residents to support local businesses in town and take advantage of the free parking offer, which I hope will help the local economy. Shop local for Christmas."
The free parking is valid on the weekends of 21 and 22 November, 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6 December, 12 and 13 December, and 19 and 20 December. All-day free parking is also available from 21 to 24 December. This offer exclusively applies to the listed council-operated car parks and does not extend to private car parks or Warwickshire County Council's on-street parking.
For more information on the Christmas events programme, visit www.therugbytown.co.uk or follow The Rugby Town on social media. Details on town centre car parks can be found at www.rugby.gov.uk/parking.
