Sutton Council will not charge for using its car parks over weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

The council’s decision will be a shot in the arm for the local economy as shoppers gear up for the festive season.

The Gibson Road multi-story car park in Sutton town centre will offer free parking between 6am and 11.30pm on Saturday 5 December, otherwise known as Small Business Saturday. Several other car parks across the borough are involved in the initiative, including Carshalton High Street, Kingsway Cheam, and Wallington Library.

But that’s not all. Free parking will be available at all of these facilities over the following two weekends, 12 & 13 December and 19 & 20 December giving shoppers three weekends of free parking and traders three weekends of consumers with extra money and time to spend in their shops.

Cllr Simon Wales, Deputy Leader of Sutton Council & social enterprise champion, said:

“We’re proud that Sutton has so many great independent traders and it’s really important we support them to thrive. By allowing free parking in our car parks people will be able to shop for longer without having to rush back to their cars. There’s never been a better time to support your local high street.”

The full details of which borough car parks will be offering free parking, their opening times, and details for drivers can be found below:

Gibson Road multi-storey, Sutton, SM1 2RF
Open between 6am – 11.30pm Saturday 5, 12, & 19 December and 9.30am – 6pm Sunday 13 & 20 December.

Carshalton High Street car park, Carshalton, SM5 3AP
Open between 8am – 6.30pm Saturday 5, 12, & 19 December and Sunday 13 & 20 December.

Kingsway car park, Cheam, SM3 8SD
Open between 8am – 6.30pm Saturday 5, 12, & 19 December and Sunday 13 & 20 December.

Wallington Library, Wallington, SM6 0HY
Open between 8am – 6.30pm Saturday 5, 12, & 19 December and Sunday 13 & 20 December.