Council offers free parking in run-up to Christmas

Free Christmas Parking Announced in South Kesteven to Support Local Shoppers and Businesses

Christmas has come early for shoppers in South Kesteven, as the district council announces a series of free parking offers across its towns to encourage festive spending and support local high streets.

The scheme, confirmed by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC), will make council-operated car parks free to use on specific days throughout December 2025, giving residents and visitors an extra reason to shop local this festive season.

Where and When Free Parking Applies

The free parking initiative covers four of the district’s main towns — Grantham, Stamford, Bourne, and Market Deeping — each benefitting from slightly different arrangements designed to meet local demand during the Christmas shopping rush.

• Grantham: All council-run car parks will offer free parking every Friday in December, up until Christmas Day.

• Stamford: Motorists can enjoy up to four hours of free parking in the Cattle Market car park from Monday to Thursday, between 1 December and Christmas Eve.

• Bourne and Market Deeping: Parking remains completely free of charge year-round in council-operated car parks.

While the free parking offer aims to reduce the financial burden on shoppers and families, drivers are reminded that they must still obtain a ticket from the machine or register their stay using the RingGo parking app. This ensures compliance with parking limits and helps the council manage usage efficiently.

Encouraging Local Shopping and Reducing Festive Stress

The initiative is part of the council’s wider strategy to boost local trade, support independent retailers, and attract visitors to South Kesteven’s market towns during one of the most crucial retail periods of the year.

Councillor Richard Cleaver, SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, said the move is intended to create a more welcoming and stress-free shopping experience:

“This will help alleviate the stress of gift shopping, and we hope it will encourage many more visits to our towns, giving a welcome boost to all of the independent local businesses.”

The scheme recognises the importance of footfall for small and family-run shops during December. With household budgets still stretched by the cost of living crisis, free parking can make a meaningful difference to both residents and traders, driving more people into town centres who might otherwise opt for online shopping.

Supporting Local Businesses During Peak Season

Local businesses across Grantham, Stamford, and Bourne have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “lifeline” during the busiest time of year.

Independent traders often face tough competition from large shopping centres and online retail giants, but free or reduced parking can help level the playing field. It encourages shoppers to spend more time browsing in-store, supporting cafés, boutiques, and markets that give Lincolnshire towns their unique character.

A Stamford shop owner commented:

“Every little helps at Christmas, and knowing customers don’t have to rush back to their car or pay extra for parking makes a big difference. It helps us keep the local economy thriving.”

Boosting Tourism and Footfall in Lincolnshire

South Kesteven’s festive parking initiative not only supports local retail but also promotes tourism in Lincolnshire. With its mix of historic market towns, independent shops, and seasonal events, the district attracts thousands of visitors during the holiday period.

Grantham, for instance, boasts a vibrant mix of heritage attractions, including St Wulfram’s Church, Belton House, and the Grantham Museum, while Stamford is frequently hailed as one of the most beautiful Georgian towns in Britain — often used as a filming location for period dramas.

By reducing the cost of parking, SKDC hopes to encourage visitors from across the East Midlands to explore the area’s festive offerings, including Christmas markets, artisan fairs, and community light switch-on events.

Balancing Accessibility and Efficiency

While free parking is likely to be popular, the council has also emphasised the need for responsible use of car parks to ensure fair access for all.

Motorists must still display a valid ticket or app registration, even when parking is free. This helps prevent overstaying and ensures regular turnover of spaces, particularly in busy areas like Stamford’s Cattle Market or Grantham’s Wharf Road car park.

The continued use of the RingGo mobile app also aligns with South Kesteven’s digital parking strategy, offering convenience for drivers and accurate data for council planning.

Part of a Wider Local Regeneration Strategy

The council’s free parking initiative forms part of its broader economic recovery and town centre regeneration strategy, aimed at revitalising the area post-pandemic.

By encouraging more visitors to shop locally and stay longer, the scheme supports not only retail businesses but also hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs, and restaurants, which rely heavily on December trade.

Cllr Cleaver added:

“Our towns have so much to offer — beautiful architecture, fantastic shops, and warm community spirit. We want to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for people to experience them this Christmas.”

The Importance of Local Authority Initiatives

Across the UK, many councils have introduced temporary free parking schemes during the Christmas season to encourage shopping and support local economies. However, South Kesteven’s approach stands out for its balanced design — providing flexibility while maintaining fairness and oversight.

The initiative highlights the role local authorities play in stimulating regional economies, particularly at a time when many high streets face challenges from inflation, changing consumer habits, and online retail trends.

Looking Ahead

With the festive season fast approaching, the council’s announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both shoppers and business owners. The free parking initiative is expected to increase footfall, reduce parking stress, and enhance the overall visitor experience across South Kesteven’s picturesque towns.

For residents, it’s a welcome reminder that shopping local doesn’t have to cost more — and that small steps like these can make a big difference in supporting community vitality during the holiday season.