Free Lichfield multi-storey parking offer in run-up to Christmas

A council-run car park in Staffordshire is to be made free at busy times in the run-up to Christmas. Lichfield District Council has confirmed its Friary multi-storey car park in The Friary, on the edge of the city centre, will not be charging motorists in the four weekends leading to Christmas.

The car park has space for 367 cars, with 21 more disabled spaces, eight for motorbikes, ten for bicycles and two electric charging points. The usual charge is £1.50 for four hours, £2.50 for six hours or £4 all day.

There’s usually a £1 charge from 6.30pm to 11.59pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays are £2.

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But those fees are being waived from this weekend, Saturday, November 30 and Sunday December 1, and for each weekend up to and including Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22. The council said the same free parking deal last year saw footfall increase by almost a third, 32 per cent, during December.

It hopes the deal will encourage more people to shop and enjoy the city’s hospitality at pubs and restaurants during the festive period and make those activities ‘easier to enjoy’. A similar parking offer has been made in Sutton Coldfield town centre at weekends and on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The council’s economic development boss, Coun Richard Holland (Whittington and Streethay, Con), said: “Lichfield has so much for visitors at Christmas time; great shops, restaurants, bars and heritage buildings, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to visit.

“The Friary multi-storey car park on The Friary is free to use for the next four weekends and we hope this will help visitors to enjoy our festive city centre.” The council added: “All other car park charges in the city remain, and visitors are encouraged to make use of the other excellent public transport options available.”