Isle of Wight Council is offering free off-street parking in all its long-stay car parks to celebrate Small Business Saturday – which aims to support local businesses.
All long stay car parks run by the council will be free of charge between 12pm and 6pm on Saturday 4 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 8am and 6pm.
Pier Square car park in Yarmouth (enforced by the Isle of Wight Council on behalf of Yarmouth Harbour Commission) will also be free between 12pm and 6pm.
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 £1.1 billion 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.