Free parking any time of day from 1 May

Free parking for three hours from 1 May

Free parking for three hours at any time of day is set to come into force within days in Rochdale.

The policy, among the most generous of all the Greater Manchester authorities, will be in place from 1 May.

The plan to extend the free parking currently on offer in Heywood to council car parks in town centres across the borough, was first unveiled late last year to boost business.

The original proposal, which proposed three hours free parking only after 10am, was overhauled to ensure people visiting early in the morning didn’t miss out.

The change has been backed by key national groups, including the Federation of Small Businesses, who have given the council their ‘Business Buddy’ award in recognition of the move.

Mark Widdup, Service Director for Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are making it easier for residents and visitors to come and spend money with local businesses, who bring with them vital investment and jobs.

“We’d encourage people to take full advantage of this scheme and enjoy all that our town centres have to offer.

“People will still need to display a ticket, so we’d advise visitors to always check the tariff boards.”