By KLTV Newsdesk
In the wake of the new national lockdown, NHS, social care and council frontline service workers in Kirklees are being offered free parking in all council car parks.
As they encourage most people in Kirklees to stay at home as much as possible over the next six weeks, the council has made the parking pledge for workers who are on the front line in the battle against COVID-19.
Who is eligible?
Health, social care and workers in key council services will all be entitled to park for free until March.
The council previously had made all its car parks and spaces free for all users in March 2020 and extended the scheme until the end of 2020.
Parking charges for other users returned on Monday 11 January 2021 but key workers in the NHS, social care and some other key frontline council services will be able to park for free whilst on duty.
While no strict plans are in place, the council says they have been in contact with NHS and care providers about how they can access free parking.
Senior managers of those essential services that think their staff may also qualify are encouraged to contact the council at parking@kirklees.gov.uk.
‘Heroic Efforts’
Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Frontline workers in Kirklees have more than enough to worry at the moment.
“We don’t want parking to be an issue for them. They are out there saving lives and keeping our society going every single day.
“We want to recognise their heroic efforts.
“We’re supporting vital workers by making parking free but the rest of us can show our support by staying at home for the next few weeks.”
‘Stay Home’
Cllr Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, echoed Cllr McBride’s statement, reiterating that most people should continue to stay home.
He said: “The best thing most of us can do for the next few weeks is to stay at home as much as possible.
“But there are many residents who will be out there on the frontline and we want to support in that vital work.”