02/04/12….Saturday afternoon parking boost for motorists

MOTORISTS in Thame and the rest of South Oxfordshire are set to receive a welcome boost this month, thanks to the introduction of free parking on Saturday afternoons in all district council car parks.

Starting on Saturday April 14,, parking will be free to everyone on Saturday afternoons (from either 2pm or 3pm, depending on the car park), in addition to any free period currently offered. This means that people will be free to explore the local shops or enjoy an extended afternoon meal without having to worry about the cost of parking.

The introduction of free Saturday afternoon parking is designed to encourage people to spend more time in South Oxfordshire towns on Saturday afternoons, exploring the local sites and shops, and boosting local trade in the process.

The new parking initiative is in line with Mary Portas’ recent review into the future of our high streets, which recommended that local areas should use parking schemes to help boost high street trade.

New Saturday afternoon free period will start at 2pm in both the Thame Cattlemarket and the Southern Road (behind the Co-Op) car parks.

The free Saturday afternoon parking initiative is in addition to the newly introduced half price car park season tickets for those working in the district. The scheme, which launched on April 1, has already proved popular with dozens already signed up for cheaper season tickets.

People are asked to check the individual car park tariff and signage for more information. For more information about parking in South Oxfordshire visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/parking

Cllr Judith Nimmo-Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy, Property and Technical services, said: ?Free parking on Saturday afternoons will give traders a real boost at a time of the week when trade typically tails off after lunch. We encourage everyone to take advantage of being able to park for free, on Saturday afternoons, and to use this time to explore their local town and discover the range of shops, galleries, restaurants and other amenities on offer.?