Parking charges suspended in Sandwell Council town centre car parks
Wednesday, 01 April 2020
Parking charges will be suspended in Sandwell Council town centre car parks from today (31 March).
Drivers are being asked to continue to park safely and appropriately, and to observe bay markings.
The suspension of parking charges applies to town centre cars parks run by Sandwell Council and does not include Sandwell Valley car parks. Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Yvonne Davies said: “We want to do all we can to support people who live and work in Sandwell during this difficult time. “We know that people are having to make essential journeys – particularly keyworkers and those who have to make trips to do essential shopping. “By suspending parking charges in council car parks we hope this will make things easier for people making those essential journeys.
“But I would ask that people don’t use this as an opportunity to make unnecessary trips to the shops.” All other parking conditions including charges for on-street parking bays will still apply.
Parking will continue to be monitored and free parking will be in place until 30 June 2020. The situation will be monitored and vehicles parked in contravention of the normal requirements for the safe and efficient use of car parks will still receive Penalty Charge Notices. Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Councillor Jackie Taylor said: "I am committed to supporting the residents of Sandwell during this difficult time. "During this difficult time our essential workers also requires support to enable them to do their work. "Every opportunity has to be given to allow them to do so.
"That is why the decision has been made to allow free parking on council car parks from 31 March until 30 June 2020. "I am sure that every resident in Sandwell will be sensitive to the reasons why this has to be done. "Our essential workers are putting their lives at risk to keep us alive. "Free parking will be monitored to ensure it is working in the way it should. "Finally, I want to thank all of our essential workers for keeping our citizens safe and well in Sandwell.
Your hard work and commitment is hugely appreciated." Details and locations of council car parks can be found at www.sandwell.gov.uk/parking
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