Free Parking in Salisbury and Amesbury

Shoppers and visitors are being encouraged to come to Salisbury and Amesbury this autumn and in the build-up to this year’s festive period.

Wiltshire Council-operated car parks in Salisbury city centre and Amesbury town centre will be free after 3pm Monday to Sunday from 1 October to Christmas Eve. Salisbury Park & Ride sites remain free all day Monday to Saturday.

Pauline Church, cabinet member for Salisbury recovery, said: “Free parking was implemented by the council to encourage shoppers and visitors into Salisbury and Amesbury following the incidents this year. Recognising the need to continue to support local traders and businesses, the council has agreed to continue with free after 3pm parking right up to Christmas.

“This year’s festive shopping period is even more important for our traders and businesses given the challenges they have faced in the past few months. We need to do all we can to continue to encourage people to come to Salisbury and Amesbury and enjoy the array of shops, restaurants and attractions on offer.

“I’m delighted that the council has also agreed that the five Park & Ride services that serve Salisbury will be free Monday to Saturday, and I would urge people to use them and help to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city.” Wilton Park & Ride operates until 11.10pm and you can request the X4 and Activ8 services to divert to the Beehive site after 7pm.

Alistair Cunningham, chair of the South Wiltshire Recovery Coordinating Group, said: “Free parking has had a positive effect on footfall. It’s important that we continue to support the local economy in Salisbury and Amesbury; particularly in the lead up to the Christmas trading period.

“The good news is that both Salisbury and Amesbury are getting back to normal We are working with the owners of all the affected sites in both the Salisbury and Amesbury town centres, aiming for them to be open in time for Christmas.”

Clear signage will be displayed in all the council run cap parks stating the changes to charges, which come into effect at 3pm on Monday, 1 October.

The council has contributed £1.5m towards the cost of providing free parking since March. Some of this cost is being met by central government in support of the recovery of both Salisbury and Amesbury.

Salisbury Reds have provided a map showing where all the Park & Ride sites are and postcodes for your sat nav.