A free parking scheme run in Carlisle throughout November in previous years will not go ahead this month as a result of the new lockdown.

The return of England to lockdown conditions has led Carlisle City Council to suspend its free parking offer after 3pm on Thursdays, put in place in recent years throughout November and December.

Environment and transport portfolio holder Nigel Christian said: “In previous years, the council has supported Christmas shopping with free parking in our car parks after 3pm, on a Thursday, in November and December.

“Sadly, with the Covid-19 restrictions recently announced, it’s clear that we cannot do this in November.”

However, Mr Christian added that he hoped to see the offer put back in place soon.

“Hopefully, we will be able to restore this offer in December,” he said.

“We will keep this under review and make an announcement if and when it’s appropriate to do so.”

Carlisle City Council is continuing to offer free parking to NHS staff, care workers and NHS volunteer responders involved in the coronavirus response in its long-stay car parks.

Individuals eligible for this offer are able to get a key worker parking pass from their employer under Government guidance.

This allows them to park for free in all council long-stay car parks when a permit is displayed.

These passes can be used in the following locations: Castle car park; the Sands Centre car park; Caldew Riverside car park; the Viaduct car park and the West Walls car park.