SHOPPERS in East Yorkshire are getting free weekend car parking in the run up to Christmas.

For the fifth year running, East Riding Council are suspending parking charges during the three weekends leading up to Christmas.

Pay and display machines in the council’s car parks and on-street parking locations will be clearly marked to let shoppers know there is no charge for weekends, starting on Saturday, December 6.

The scheme forms part of the council’s support for Small Business Saturday (6 December), a national day that aims to promote the importance of small and independent traders.

Cllr Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of the council, said: “Thanks to its prudent financial management, the council is again able to run this very popular scheme, which has real and tangible benefits for local businesses and for our residents."

All council car parks will be free on Saturday 6, 13 and 20 and Sunday 7, 14 and 21 December, from 8am on Saturday until 8am on Monday.

Normal parking rules will still apply, such as those around disabled parking bays and maximum stays.