Festive shoppers are being given an early Christmas present by Worcester City Council in the run-up to Christmas.

From Monday 6 to Friday, December 24 inclusive, parking will be free after 3pm from Monday through to Saturday in all 14 of the City Council-run car parks in the centre of Worcester.

Parking will also be free all day on Sunday 12 and Sunday, December 19.

This comes as part of a push to support Worcester's 'economic recovery' after shops were battered by the effect of the pandemic.

Leader of Worcester City Council, Councillor Marc Bayliss said: "This year’s festive parking offer is by far the most generous in recent years, and is part of a wide range of measures the City Council is taking to support Worcester’s economic recovery from the effects of Covid. 

"The city has a fantastic array of independent shops, well-known high-street brands, eateries, bars and entertainment to offer. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our city once again this Christmas."

Owners of electric vehicles can charge their car while visiting Worcester at one of the 12 new electric car charging points in St Martin’s Gate multi-storey car park.

Six 50kw rapid charging points and a further six 22kw fast charging points are available on the ground floor.

They are designed to accommodate the majority of electric vehicles currently available in the UK. 

Worcester was recently named as the UK city with the most accessible parking in a survey by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, conducted for Disability History Month.

A total 96% of the city’s car parks offer accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. 

All of Worcester City Council’s car parks have been given the prestigious ‘Park-Mark’ award, issued by the British Parking Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers, meaning they have been judged safe, well-lit and well managed. 

For a map showing the locations of City Council-run car parks, go to: www.worcester.gov.uk/parking.