FREE parking is to be introduced in council-run car parks in the run-up to Christmas.

Sunderland City Council has announced it is to introduce free parking on weekdays after 3pm and all day on Saturdays to encourage more shoppers to visit the city from next week.

The change will come into force on Monday, December 11 and continue, Monday to Friday, until December 22.

Parking will be free all day on Saturday, December 16 and Saturday, December 23.

Normal charges will apply at all other times.

Cllr Michael Mordey, from the city council said: “This new and improved Christmas parking offer is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people into the city centre to do their Christmas shopping and support local traders.

“We are seeing significant regeneration in the city centre which should lead to increased footfall.

“We hope that the additional free parking on the two Saturdays before Christmas and after 3pm during the week will be a great incentive for people to explore the attractions the city centre has, whether it’s shopping or Christmas activities such as the market or ice-rink, food and drink, or museums, exhibitions, and shows.”

Sharon Appleby, from Sunderland Business Improvement District, said: “We are aware that parking is often a huge issue for shoppers so this is great news.”