Free parking reintroduced in council-run car parks

Residents and visitors to Dudley are set to be able to park for free for two hours at council-owned car parks.

The change to short-stay parking charges, from Wednesday, applies to all applicable Dudley Borough Council pay and display car parks, with motorists no longer required to pay for the first two hours.

Councillor Simon Phipps said he was "delighted" the authority was able to bring back free parking, which was scrapped early last year amid budget pressures.

The authority said the scheme was part of efforts to encourage more people to visit local high streets and businesses and was expected to provide a boost to retailers by increasing footfall.

Drivers can obtain a free ticket from the machine and display it in their vehicle to qualify, the council added.

"We know many residents and traders were disappointed when free parking ended before," Phipps said.

"I can only be honest and say we understand the impact our decisions make, and we do not take them lightly."

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