FREE car parking deals across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are among a raft of offers that have been announced to support high streets over the festive season.
BCP Council has confirmed that free parking will be available in town centre car parks on Thursdays in December in the run up to Christmas from 4pm to 10pm to tie in with late night shopping.
The same offer will be in place from 10am to 6pm on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, starting this Sunday, November 28.
Some district car parks in Boscombe, Southbourne, Westbourne, Winton, Broadstone, Canford Cliffs and Parkstone will have free parking from midday to 6pm on Saturday, December 4, 11 and 18.
Meanwhile, deals are also being offered from the conurbation's two main bus operators Yellow Buses and Morebus, and free rides on Beryl bikes.
Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for sustainability and transport, said: “The last 20 months have been difficult time for everyone, so anything that saves people money is a good thing and I’m delighted that we have secured a range of travel offers for all our residents and visitors to take advantage of.
"This all helps support local businesses which are at the heart of our communities, so I encourage people to come into town and make the most of these festive travel offers.”
On Yellow Buses, passengers can get unlimited evening travel for £3.50 across the when you purchase a ‘Buster’s Christmas Cracker’ ticket, which can be purchased from drivers after 4.30pm.
Morebus are offering a Christmas Group Dayrider ticket which gives unlimited travel for up to five people for just £5. This ticket is available after 5.30pm on Thursday night during late night shopping and on Sundays in the run up to Christmas.
Nikki Honer, Morebus head of communications, said: “It is important we support our local high streets throughout the Christmas period, we’ve been asking people to ‘think bus’ for local journeys for sometime now.
"Climate change affects us all and by shopping and travelling locally its worth reminding people that 1 double decker bus can take 75 cars off the road, helping to ease congestion and improve air quality. As well as the group travel offer, all of our buses accept contactless tap on tap off payments making bus tickets even easier.”
Beryl bikes, in partnership with BCP Council, is offering free bike rides on the same Thursdays as the free car parking but from 5.30pm to support late night shopping as well as all day on December 5, 12 and 19.
Two free rides up to 30 minutes can be claimed per person per day.
Phil Ellis, chief executive of Beryl, said: “We’re delighted to be working with BCP Council on this great initiative and would urge people to take advantage and give our bikes a go; it might just revolutionise the way you travel locally.
“By taking up more sustainable travel options, you’re helping to reduce road congestion while improving air quality and public health.”
Simon Newport, commercial director of Yellow Buses, said: "We are very keen to support Christmas Shopping and Christmas Tree Wonderland in Bournemouth."
For more information on the offers, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Features/Festive/festive-travel-offers.
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