Free after three reminder

Councillor Greg Couzens next to one of the signs indicating free parking after 3pm.

Rochdale Council are reminding shoppers in Rochdale and Middleton that parking in the town centres is free if they arrive after 3pm.

The reminder comes because many people have still been putting money in the ticket machine after 3pm.

Thousands of people have taken advantage of the offer since its launch a fortnight ago and there are signs saying that shoppers do not have to pay after 3pm.

Councillor Greg Couzens, cabinet member for finance on Rochdale Council, said: “We’re getting a lot of people coming up to the ticket machine, having a good look but still putting their money in, so we’re looking at making the signs and information on the machines even more clear. It’s simple – arrive after three and park for free in Rochdale.”

The offer applies to all council-owned pay and display car parks plus on-street parking meters in Rochdale and Middleton and the pay-on-exit bus station car park in Rochdale.

Councillor Couzens added: “We’ve done this to help businesses out during the recession and I’m already getting positive feedback from some retailers who are telling me their trade’s picked up after three o’clock. Please show your support for your local town centre make and good use of this free parking offer.”

Drivers arriving before 3pm still need to purchase a pay and display ticket to cover the full length of their stay – the ‘free’ period from 3-6pm does not apply to vehicles already in a space at 3pm. For example those arriving at 1pm and intending to stay until 5pm need to pay for four hours’ parking, not two.