RYEDALE District Council (RDC) is reintroducing charges on all of its car parks this weekend.

The council has nine short and long stay car parks at locations across the district, including Kirkbymoorside, Malton, Pickering, Helmsley and Norton.

In order to support lives and livelihoods during the pandemic, parking in the car parks became free of charge to all users from April 9.

With the lockdown restrictions staring to be lifted, RDC is to start car parking charges from tomorrow (Saturday).

Phillip Spur, Programme Director for Economic Development at RDC, said:“We’ve come to a key point, where the Government is now allowing businesses to open in a phased stage, with the focus on keeping people safe and economic recovery.

“The time is right to reintroduce parking charges, as the lockdown is gradually being lifted and we look forward to welcoming people back into our towns, safely.”

RDC will be cleaning the payment machines daily and have marked two metre safe distances by them, to ensure that residents and visitors can stay safe. Posters reminding people of the need to respect social distancing and maintain good hygiene are also on display.

Parking for NHS staff and social care staff will remain free, in line with Government guidance: https://www.nhs-freeparking.co.uk/ Those eligible for this free parking are advised to display the universal government parking pass in their windscreen, which is available through their employer.