The scheme aims to ease festive season visits and encourage support for Royston's independent businesses, shops, cafés, and services during a crucial trading period.
Free parking will be available at Angel Pavement, Market Place, and Priory Gardens short-stay car parks, with a maximum stay of three hours (no return within 2 hours), Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Note that Angel Pavement and Market Place car parks will close temporarily on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the market has cleared.
Civic Centre and The Warren long-stay car parks will also offer free parking from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Additionally, on-street bays on Market Hill outside Flintshack Restaurant and Granta Medical Practice will be free for a maximum of two hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.
Parking will remain free on Sundays at these locations. Drivers do not need to take any action as parking machines will be covered, and PayByPhone will be unavailable during the scheme. Charges and restrictions at other Royston parking locations remain unchanged.
Time limits and parking restrictions, including enforcement for parking outside marked bays and misuse of disabled bays, will continue to apply. Businesses and their staff are encouraged to use long-stay car parks to keep short-stay spaces available for shoppers.
Nigel Smith, North Herts Council’s Service Director - Place, stated: “We’re delighted to be working with Royston Town Council and Royston First to offer free parking in the run-up to Christmas. We hope it will give residents and visitors another reason to enjoy the town, discover what local businesses have to offer and shop locally during this important trading period.”
George Jons-Clothier, Communications Officer at Royston Town Council, added: "We're pleased to be working with North Herts Council and Royston First to help promote the Pre-Christmas Parking Scheme. By making it easier for residents and visitors to access the town centre during the festive period, we hope to encourage more people to shop locally and enjoy everything Royston has to offer."
Paul Brown, Royston First Bid Manager, commented: “The festive period is an important time for Royston’s businesses. We hope the free parking offer will encourage more people to shop locally and discover the great choice available in the town.”
