Free parking drive to lure shoppers into Rotherham

All on-street and council-run car parks will be free of charge, and the Free After 3 campaign will continue for another 12 months.

Rotherham Partnership chairman Brian Chapple said: “A huge amount of effort has already been made to improve the offer, environment and accessibility of the town centre.

“It’s great that, through the efforts of all partners, we are continuing this year to be able to offer yet more to our shoppers, encouraging them to come into town and take advantage of the great shops and places to eat we have here.”

More than £700,000 has been set aside to fund the Saturday scheme, from a £6 million reward grant given after Rotherham Borough Council hit Government targets.

Assistant town-centre manager Bernadette Rushton said: “There are around 2,000 parking spaces in the town centre, but these changes make it easier for visitors to shop at their leisure.

“As always, we would encourage visitors to observe the maximum-stay periods so everyone gets a chance to visit the centre and benefit from finding an easy and free spot to park.”