Free parking in Dover this Christmas

Dover District Council is encouraging people to show their support for High Street shops and small businesses with free parking in its car parks for Small Business Saturday on 3 December 2016, and for two weeks over the key Christmas trading period from Monday 19 December 2016 to Monday 2 January 2017 inclusive. Kent County Council has agreed to offer free on-street parking over the same periods.

Small Business Saturday is designed to raise the profile of small businesses across the UK.  As part of the initiative, DDC will be offering free car parking in its off-street car parks on Saturday, 3 December 2016. With many DDC car parks located in the heart of town centres they are convenient for local shops. On-street parking charges will also be lifted. With many retailers now gearing up for the festive season, DDC wants more people to recognise the value, quality and choice that local, independent traders provide. DDC is hoping that other organisations and residents will support Small Business Saturday, and is encouraging businesses to think of creative ways to entice people to shop locally as part of the initiative. 

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Portfolio Holder for Access, said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our town centres in Dover, Deal and Sandwich and we know how important this time of year is for independent traders on the high street. We hope that people working in the town will park where they usually do to allow customers to take advantage of this offer of free parking, and that this initiative goes some way to promoting increased trade in our town centres."

Parking charges will still apply in the Sainsbury’s Car Park in Deal, and at the Co-op (St Ethelburga’s and Park Street Car Parks) in Deal. All other parking restrictions like yellow lines will continue to be enforced throughout the district.