Mendip shoppers, visitors and businesses can enjoy free parking during the run up to Christmas and on New Year's Day.

Glad tidings for Christmas shoppers and local businesses! It will be free to park your car in all Mendip-owned pay and display car parks during the holiday period, for one week, from Saturday 17 December until Saturday 24 December 2022.

New Year revellers have reason to celebrate too, the Council is providing free parking all-day on Sunday 1 January. This is to encourage drivers who park vehicles in car parks on New Year's Eve to use alternative and safe methods of transport to get home.

Small Business Saturday hasn't been forgotten, with a fee-free day planned at selected car parks, on 3 December. Anyone visiting the area on the first Saturday in December will find charges suspended across the following car parks: Cranhill Road in Street, St John's car park in Glastonbury, Union Street in Wells, Great Ostry in Shepton Mallet and the Cattle Market in Frome.

Cllr Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "Once again we are delighted to offer free parking as a festive gesture of good will, and we hope it will go some way to making a difference to families this holiday season.

"It is important that we acknowledge the pressures facing many residents and businesses as the cost of living crisis deepens, especially at this time of year.

"Our focus here is on our town centres and their communities, to lift the barriers that might stop bringing people into them, whether that's to support local retail or food businesses by buying gifts or treats from our highstreets, or just to allow residents to come together, meet family and friends, and soak up the atmosphere of our town centres at this festive time of year."

Residents are asked to note that although parking is free, all other terms and conditions of car parking within the relevant car parks remain. To ensure everyone has a fair chance to enjoy this offer, please:

• Check the time limits. 'Free parking' may not mean 'free parking all day'. Maximum time limits still apply in all short stay car parks. Please check, and do not overstay.
• Don't park in disabled bays. Disabled parking bays are for blue badge holders only.
• Park responsibly. Stay within the parking bay markings, and do not park in hatched lined areas, for safety reasons.

Penalty charges will be issued if you breach the conditions. There is an appeals process, details of which can be found on your parking ticket.

For more information on Mendip car parks, please visit the website: www.mendip.gov.uk/paydisplay.