RESIDENTS are now able to spend more time enjoying family days out, visiting local businesses and exploring town centres thanks to the introduction of free weekend parking.
Basildon Council has introduced free weekend parking at several of its car parks on Saturdays and Sundays, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the borough’s town centres, high streets and attractions.
The initiative forms part of the administration’s commitment to supporting local businesses, boosting footfall and creating thriving town centres as part of its ‘Building a Better Basildon’ priorities.
With household budgets still under pressure, Basildon Council has introduced free weekend parking to help residents save money while enjoying the borough’s town centres, parks and attractions.
Whether you’re heading to Billericay High Street for lunch, Wickford for shopping, Basildon town centre for an event or Lake Meadows for a family walk, free weekend parking will make visiting local destinations easier and more affordable.
The scheme will apply to the following car parks:
- Wickford Main and Ladygate
- Billericay High Street
- Radford Crescent
- Basildon Westgate
- Lake Meadows
Cllr Andy Barnes, Leader of Basildon Council, said:
“Supporting our town centres, local businesses and communities is a key part of our vision for Building a Better Basildon. Introducing free weekend parking is a practical way of encouraging more people to visit our high streets, shop locally and spend time in our town centres.
“This isn’t simply about parking spaces; it’s about encouraging people to spend more time in our town centres, supporting local businesses and helping our communities thrive. We want residents to choose Basildon, Billericay and Wickford for shopping, leisure and days out, and free weekend parking is one way we’re making that easier.
“We want Basildon, Billericay and Wickford to be vibrant places where residents and visitors choose to spend their time. This investment demonstrates our commitment to creating opportunities for businesses to thrive while making our borough more accessible and attractive for everyone.”
Cllr George Jeffery, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said:
“Free weekend parking removes a barrier for many people and makes it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy everything our town centres and community spaces have to offer.
“Whether you’re meeting friends for coffee, browsing local shops, attending a community event or taking the family to Lake Meadows, we want people to feel welcome and encouraged to spend time in our town centres. Free weekend parking is a practical investment that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
