THE cost of parking in Wirral Council operated car parks has been cut ahead of Christmas.

The "Free After 3" scheme came into force on December 9 after being approved by the authority's full council, giving residents and visitors the chance to go Christmas shopping without paying to park.

As well as parking being ‘Free After 3’, people will be able to park for ‘Free All Day’ at any Council-operated car parks on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Cllr Stuart Whittingham, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “As an authority we are committed to supporting our local town centres, and we recognise that Christmas is a particularly important time for shoppers and for local businesses.

"With this in mind, we are cutting the cost of parking in Council car parks and offering ‘Free After 3’ parking from December 9, and making parking on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day free all day.

“Increasing footfall in our town centres is a key aspect of our work to support traders and to make it easier and more affordable for people to access local goods and services.

“Shoppers will be able to use their local shops and town centres for their festive shopping knowing they won’t have to pay extra for parking their car after 3pm."

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce, added: "This is excellent news for local retailers during the Christmas period.

"I am very pleased that the council has introduced this parking concession and I hope that Wirral shoppers and indeed those from further afield take advantage of it to support local retailers."

The scheme will be evaluated to assess the benefits with the results reported in the New Year.

The initiative applies to council-operated car parks only throughout December.

Motorists will still have to pay for on-street parking in Birkenhead.