Calderdale Council has announced that parking charges in flood affected areas will be formally suspended, to help communities return back to normal.
Enforcement had already been put on hold following the devastating floods of Boxing Day, but the Council is now extending this period of relief until the end of January. After this time the situation will be reviewed.
All pay and display charges in Council car parks in Elland, Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, as well as on-street parking in Hebden Bridge, will be lifted until the end of the month to help alleviate pressure for residents and businesses in the area.
Civil Enforcement Officers will not be patrolling the area unless there are reports of parking which is affecting road safety or traffic flow, in which case officers may be called on to issue Penalty Charge Notices.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Barry Collins, said:
“The Council is doing all it can to help out with the clean up after the unprecedented flooding across the borough over the festive period.
“We know that volunteers are doing an amazing job in flood affected areas all across Calderdale, and by suspending parking charges we’re hoping it will be one less thing for those helping out in the area to think about.
“The suspension of parking charges will also help contractors who are busy working in affected shops and businesses. We want to make it easier for these contractors to park close to where they’re working, helping traders to get back on their feet.
“However, I’d like to appeal to all motorists not to take advantage of this suspension, and help keep a good turnover of spaces, especially where shops have managed to reopen. I’d also like to remind people to be sensible when parking, allowing access, and not hampering the recovery effort.”