Shoppers in Vale of White Horse can take advantage of free parking on select Saturdays in towns next month.

Designed to encourage residents to shop locally and support local businesses, free car parking is being provided at various sites in Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage by the Vale of White Horse District Council. 

The free parking scheme will be provided on various Saturdays from December 2 to December 23.

Drivers will be able to park for free in local car parks in Abingdon and Faringdon on December 2, 9 and 16 and in Wantage on December 9, 16 and 23.

On the select days there will be no requirement for car park users to display a ticket, however maximum stay times will still apply in respective car parks.

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Car park machines will also indicate free parking. 

Cllr Mark Coleman, cabinet member for environmental services and waste, said: “Christmas gives us the perfect opportunity to visit our great selection of independent traders offering original gifts, many of which are made or sourced locally. Not only can you find really unique presents, you’ll also help support our local businesses.”  

“Whilst ideally, we’d urge everyone to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible - we recognise that being a largely rural district some people will need to use their cars to drive into town.

"If you can car share with others, that would also really help reduce congestion and local air pollution.”