CORONAVIRUS: Warwick District Council offers free parking to help key workers

Warwick District Council is offering free car parking in all its car parks as part of efforts to help key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

While this effectively means that all residents can park for free, the Council is appealing to local people in the strongest possible terms not only to adhere to the strict government rules regarding social distancing, but to also give priority to those who are providing the community with essential services during this time.

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, Cllr David Norris said: “We are urging everyone in our district to play their part in protecting the NHS and saving lives in this national emergency by staying at home. Although we will not be applying charges or penalties during this time, we hope that our community will continue to restrict their time in the public car parks and spaces to a minimum.”

The Council’s Rangers will continue with mobile patrols to ensure that people are parking safely and with consideration to others. In addition, season ticket holders who have paid in advance will have their permits extended to cover the period of free parking.

Stratford District has said it will not be offering free parking in its car parks, suggesting that this would send out the wrong message when there is a need for residents to stay at home.

However the authority is investigating whether a parking pass scheme, allowing free parking for volunteers and key workers can be put in place.