27 April 2009

Hot on the heels of Guildford Borough Council’s successful free parking offer earlier this year, shoppers and visitors will be able to take advantage of a second free parking deal in the town centre - this time on bank holiday weekend, Saturday 2 May.

So successful was the Council’s innovative way of passing back the VAT from its metered car parking charges in February that the Council is running the special parking promotion again. Residents and businesses gave the parking offer in February the thumbs up on what was the busiest Saturday of the year for many retailers.

Mike Harris, Head of Economic Development, explains: “Feedback from the public and retailers about the parking offer in February has been excellent. Thousands of shoppers and visitors took advantage of the offer giving a much-needed boost for our shops and cafes during the current economic downturn. As well as passing back the Government’s reduction in VAT from our metered car parking charges to the public we want to encourage people to visit Guildford and make a day of it to enjoy all it has to offer”.

Says Guildford's Town Centre Manager, Chris Howard: "On Saturday 2 May there will be some great entertainment for all ages in the town centre. We will welcome the Pilgrim Morris Men and Eagle Radio's Love Crew will be in the High Street all morning offering great prizes. There will also be a mobile farm for the kids all day. Couple this with our great range of shops and you have the makings of great day out for the whole family!"

White Lion Walk Shopping Centre Manager, Steve Cotney, comments: "The free parking offers are a fabulous idea, particularly in these difficult economic times. The support from Guildford Borough Council is greatly appreciated".

Adds Vicky McKay, Friary Shopping Centre Manager: "We were delighted with the impact the free parking offers had on the town. Our visitor numbers were significantly higher the day of the free parking". 

The promotion on 2 May includes:

• A free, three-hour parking voucher for Guildford Borough Council pay-and-display car parks in the town centre.  The voucher is valid from 9.30am and is available from the Council’s Tourist Information Centre in Tunsgate or our parking offer pages.  The voucher excludes Castle car park (off Sydenham Road) and Tunsgate car park (below Tunsgate Square) as they are short stay, pay-on-exit car parks.  All street parking restrictions apply as usual including payment for parking in on-street pay-and-display places
• Free parking all day at the following long-stay car parks: York Road car park, Farnham Road car park and Guildford Park car park - no voucher required
• Free park and ride all day from Ladymead, Artington and Merrow - no voucher required.  Guildford Spectrum is not included because it does not operate a park and ride service on Saturdays.

For more information on the promotion or parking in Guildford borough visit our parking pages or call the Council’s parking office on 01483 444531.

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