Car parking fees to be scrapped across Harrogate district for duration of second lockdown

Charges at council-run car parks across the Harrogate district are being suspended for the latest lockdown.

Harrogate Borough Council has announced that fees will be waived from tomorrow (7 November) until the lockdown ends on 2 December.

A council spokesman said: "This will allow NHS staff, key workers, permitted businesses as well as others to provide essential services, to those that need it the most, during this difficult time."

However, on-street parking charges will still apply.

The council suspended fees at its 28 car parks during the first lockdown and faced criticism from some business leaders as charges were reintroduced when non-essential shops reopened.

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The latest announcement means charges will restart when lockdown-hit businesses reopen again on 2 December.

Harrogate Borough Council is responsible for off-street parking, whilst North Yorkshire County Councils looks after on-street.

NHS and care workers, including volunteers involved with delivering important Covid-19 support, can still park for free on street spaces.

The authorities are urging motorists to use the AppyParking app, which is available for all council parking spaces in the district.

It is estimated Harrogate Borough Council loses around £250,000 a month by waiving parking fees.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter