The Isle of Wight Council is offering free off-street parking in all its long-stay car parks to celebrate Small Business Saturday (4th December) – which aims to support local businesses.
All long stay car parks run by the council will be free of charge between 12:00 and 18:00 on Saturday 4th December. A full list of car parks can be found here.
In addition, car parks in Ventnor (enforced by the Isle of Wight Council on behalf of Ventnor Town Council) will be free between 08:00 and 18:00.
Pier Square car park in Yarmouth (enforced by the Isle of Wight Council on behalf of Yarmouth Harbour Commission) will also be free between 12:00 and 18:00.
Cabinet lead for Highways PFI, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“This year, it is more important than ever for us to support our local businesses after the impact of COVID-19.
“I’m pleased to be able to help residents to make the most of the free parking and consider buying local this year to support their communities.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
Last year, Small Business Saturday saw an estimated £1.1billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, according to research from American Express, the campaign’s founder and principal supporter in the UK.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
How gracious. Maybe look at reducing the prices you charge while your at it, and I hope you tell the parking nazi’s not to issue tickets as well. I’m sure “lack of communication” will be the excuse if they do.
Totally agree charges are well over the top to offer any encouragement to use the towns , I wouldn’t bother, like many others
Damn, I’m a morning shopper. Looks like I’ll be using the supermarkets as usual.
Wow how very generous of our Council !!!!!
I agree with Sir Digby ,
I had to pay £5-10 p
For 3 hrs parking!!!!!!!
Totally ridiculous.
You may say it was my choice ?
But it wasn’t……
You’re right, it’s extortionate, means one cannot shop economically or even affordably.
To pay something is reasonable, but the council invariably get greedy and target us locals for more revenue.
No wonder the High Street is slowly dying..
Big Deal – I don’t think!
It’s a start should happen every Saturday to really help small businesses