FREE car parking is being brought in for restricted car parks in the heart of York city centre.

Visitors have long complained about the cost of car parking the city, from spring bank holiday on May 26 selected car parks run by City of York Council will be free between 8am and 11am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings.

Car parks involved include Bishopthorpe road, Castle Mills, Foss Bank, Marygate, Monk Bar, Nunnery Lane, St George’s Field and Union terrace.

The scheme has been brought together through a partnership involving the City of York council, the retail forum, the Federation of Small Businesses and key traders including Fenwick’s, Browns, Mulberry Hall, M&S and HSBC.

Adam Sinclair, Chair of City Team York said: “City centre businesses are now being invited to embrace the initiative by coming up with imaginative “early bird” offers and help share the message to customers.”