Buckinghamshire's car parks are free for a month
Those run by Bucks Council will be free until 11th May
Last updated 12th Apr 2021
Council car parks are free for a month from today in Buckinghamshire.
It's part of the council's plans to boost high streets as lockdown eases.
On-street parking will still have charges.
Following the next stage in the national reopening programme, from today we are able to enjoy outdoor food and drink from pubs and cafes and browse and buy in person as non-essential retail businesses can once again open their doors to us.
Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons are all poised to book us in for some extra pampering and gyms, leisure centres and libraries are all gearing up to greet us as we walk back through their doors.
Local visitor attractions can also welcome us back, just in time for some extra special days out during the Easter holidays.
There will be free car parking in council car parks from 12 April through to 11 May to welcome us back into our town centres.
Ian Thompson, Corporate Director at Buckinghamshire Council said:
"It's great news for all of us that we can now take this next step in the roadmap to recovery. By offering free parking in our car parks, we're doing our bit to encourage people to support local businesses and come back to shop in our town centres.
"We want to welcome people back to our High Streets and make it a safe and positive experience for everyone."
For the people who run local businesses, the next few weeks and months could literally mean the difference between make or break.
That's why Bucks Council is encouraging everyone to 'Think Big, Shop Small' as these businesses reopen.
By thinking big about helping our local economy to bounce back and by shopping small with local small and independent businesses, the Council say you could be helping to save a local job, or create a future job, for someone who could be your neighbour.
Bucks Council say that while we are ready to enjoy new freedoms and get out and about more, it's important that we all do our bit to make sure we are still remembering to follow COVID guidance.
Wherever and whenever possible, regular handwashing, wearing face coverings, maintaining 2m social distancing and only meeting outdoors with people who we don't live with are all essential measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 then you must still self-isolate along with your household and book a PCR test.
We need to be cautious in our activities and continue to follow the guidance as Bucks begins to reopen, otherwise case numbers could rise in a way which would slow down the later steps of the roadmap.
What else is happening today?
Hairdressers and nail salons can reopen
From 12th April, personal care premises including hairdressers and beauty and nail salons will be permitted to reopen.
Outdoor hospitality resumes
From 12th April, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although you must order via table service.
Non-essential retail will resume
Non-essential retail can resume from 12th April.
Gyms reopen
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 12th April (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups). Spas will also reopen, but saunas and steam rooms will remain closed until stage 3.
Self contained accommodation
Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen in Step 2 of lockdown easing, taking place on the 12th April.
Driving lessons will resume
From 12th April driving lessons will be allowed to resume, as will theory tests, motorcycle lessons, lorry lessons and tests, car and trailer tests and minibus lessons and tests. Driving tests will restart from 22nd April.
Public buildings will reopen
Public buildings including libraries and community centres will also be allowed to reopen from 12th April.
Outdoor attractions will reopen
Outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas can reopen from 12th April.
Two care home visitors per resident
Each care home resident will be allowed two designated visitors from 12th April instead of one.
More guests at weddings and funerals
Up to 15 guests can attend weddings, outdoor receptions and commemorative events including wakes from 12th April. Meanwhile, up to 30 people can attend funerals.