Free parking before Christmas to boost activity in CBD

From now until Christmas Day parking in Lower Hutt CBD is free after Mayor Ray Wallace pushed through the recommendation at last night’s Hutt City Council meeting.

Mayor Wallace says free parking in the run up to Christmas will help generate activity in the CBD which will come as welcome relief for the city’s central business community.

“Many businesses are still recovering from tough economic conditions and they tell me the expected ‘boom’ following the recession hasn’t happened.

“Free parking in the days before Christmas is one way we can help attract shoppers to the area, which at the same time will add vibrancy and life to the CBD.

“It’s also an opportunity to give a little relief to local shoppers as the effects of the recession have not only lingered for businesses, but individuals, families and organisations right across our communities,” says Mayor Wallace.

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive David Kiddey says the chamber are delighted the Council has decided to help promote the CBD in this way.

“Retailers have had a very tough year and this gesture will be very welcome,” he says.

Free parking applies in the CBD for the 10 days leading up to Christmas Day 2010 (15 to 24 December inclusive) for all the two hour maximum parking Pay and Display zones. The two hour parking time limit will continue to apply during this temporary free parking period