Christmas can be an expensive time of year, and after a successful day of Christmas shopping, no-one enjoys footing the bill at the car parking meter.
Well, that is something shoppers in Brent do not need to worry about, as the eight car parks across the borough will be free to use over the weekends in the run up to Christmas.
It is part of a scheme which has been running for two years, set up to encourage residents to support independent businesses by shopping for presents on their doorstep.
"Small businesses are the life blood of the local economy, providing jobs and services and adding to the unique diversity of Brent," said Cllr Eleanor Southwood, cabinet member responsible for parking.
"We are keen to support our local businesses in whatever way we can."
From Saturday December 3, the following car parks will be free on weekends:
- Elm Road: space for around 100 cars
- Kingsbury Road: space for around 50 cars
- Preston Road: more than 160 car parking bays
- Salusbury Road: space for more than 50 cars
- Lonsdale Avenue: space for 33 cars
- Neasden Town Centre: space for 38 cars
- St John's Road: space for around 80 cars
- Wendover Road: 27 parking bays
The car parks will be free on December 3 and 4, 10 and 11, and 17 and 18.
And to make sure motorists do not accidentally pay for parking, pay stations will be covered over on the Friday evening, alongside signs promoting the free parking scheme.
Cllr Eleanor Southwood said: "I hope that providing free parking across eight sites in the borough at one of the busiest times of the year for businesses will help those who do shop locally to stay loyal, and for those who tend to drive out of the borough to shop, to encourage them to see what local high streets in the borough have to offer."
As well as free weekend parking, to manage demand and provide an alternative to street parking, all Brent Council car parks will be free on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
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