Free parking is being offered in Weymouth in the lead up to Christmas. 

The final day for free parking for 2024 was decided by Weymouth Town Council's Environment and Services Committee at a meeting on Wednesday October 30. 

Free parking dates are selected in conjunction with Dorset Council to help support local businesses and events in Weymouth.

The chosen date is Monday December 23, to help residents take advantage of some last-minute Christmas shopping.  

This will mean there will be free parking for select car parks in Weymouth operated by Dorset Council.

This includes: Cosens Quay, Council Offices, Governors Lane, Harbourside, Melcombe Regis, Park Street, Pavilion, Pavilion Forecourt, Royal Yard, and the Swannery car park.

Cllr Matt Bell, chair of the Environment and Services committee, said: "Christmas will only be a couple of days away, and schools will have already broken up for the holidays.

"Monday, December 23 is an ideal day to select for free parking. It will encourage last-minute shoppers to visit the town, support local businesses and increase footfall during a critical time for retailers."  

Other dates agreed that are still to come include Sunday, November 10 for Remembrance Sunday where Swannery, Park Street and Melcombe Regis car parks will offer free parking. 

There will also be free parking on Saturday, November 30 for the Christmas lights switch-on and Saturday, December 1 which is given for Small Business Saturday where all town centre car parks operated by Dorset Council will be free to use.