DRIVERS are being informed that temporary one-hour free parking arrangements put in place in Northallerton and Knaresborough end this week.

The temporary extension was introduced on Northallerton High Street and Knaresborough Market Place to support local businesses and shoppers in responding to the social distancing measures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From this Friday, April 23, the usual charges will be reinstated, including 30 minutes free parking in Northallerton’s High Street and 20 minutes free parking in Knaresborough’s Market Place.

Notices on the ticket machines are being amended in preparation for the change on Friday.

As previously agreed, in Northallerton the County Council will review parking on the High Street north of Friarage Street to consider increasing the free parking time allowance there.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said: “As the country sees the continuing lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, it was appropriate for us to review the position regarding these parking arrangements.

"The easing of restrictions supports a return to the normal operation of on-street parking in the two towns to aid traffic management and to offer better turnover of spaces.”