Christmas shoppers to get free parking in South Shields over the festive period

South Tyneside Council has announced that all council-owned car parks in South Shields town centre will be free of charge after 3pm, and all day on Sundays throughout December.

The 'free after three' initiative was introduced to support town centre businesses and traders and spread a little extra Christmas cheer among shoppers during what is an ‘expensive time of year’.

The car parks will also be free all day for Small Business Saturday, a UK-wide campaign which encourages consumers to ‘shop local’, on December 7.

The national initiative aims to promote small businesses and Christmas shoppers are encouraged to show their support by choosing gifts from local traders.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: "We know this is an expensive time of year so every little helps.

“This initiative benefits both shoppers and businesses.

“About a third of all council-owned parking spaces in the town centre are already free all year round and the additional free parking provides an extra festive boost.

“The offer is running for the whole month, including between Christmas and New Year, which is perfect for people wanting to hit the sales and snap up some bargains.”

The free parking over the festive period coincides with a busy programme of events taking place across the South Tyneside in the coming weeks, as the borough counts-down to Christmas.

For a full list of car parks where you can park for free, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/Free-parking-this-December