PARKING charges will be suspended at all council-run car parks in Wyre Forest to support key workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Wyre Forest District Council is suspending all parking charges in its car parks from Friday, March 27 until further notice.

Councillor John Thomas, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for operational services, said: “We are taking this step to support essential workers in the NHS and social care at this time.

"They need to be able to do their work without worrying about having to pay.

"But the change we are making will also benefit anyone who undertakes essential shopping at supermarkets in the town centres where they would normally pay for parking.

"Just because car parking charges have temporarily been lifted, does not mean that people should make unnecessary trips.

"People should follow the Government’s guidance and stay at home unless one of the exceptions applies.”

The council is reminding people to only leave the house to buy food or medicine, to exercise once a day, travelling to and from work where necessary, and to provide care to a vulnerable person.

Regular patrols will continue to check drivers park safely and motorists will still need to follow rules - including the maximum stay.

Customers who have paid for their season ticket, either in full or by direct debit, will have their ticket expiry date extended by three months.

Season ticket holders who pay for their JustPark digital ticket on a monthly basis will have their next payment cancelled. When parking charges return, they will be contacted by JustPark so they can purchase a new monthly ticket.

Parking charges and enforcement will continue as normal at Weavers Wharf Car Park in Kidderminster as this is not owned by Wyre Forest District Council.