AS SHOPS around the country are set to be reopened, councils are beginning to reintroduce parking charges for non-essential workers.

While charges are set to resume at some car parks, this does not include those operated by Barrow Borough Council, which has confirmed they have no plans this month to reintroduce car park charges.

The council also has no intention of doing so for the foreseeable future.

Councillor Ann Thomson, Barrow Borough Council leader, said: “Charging in car parks operated by the borough council was suspended in March to support key workers and our residents.

“A date for their reinstatement has not yet been set but we can confirm parking will remain free for the rest of this month.”

South Lakeland District Council car parks are set to resume charging the public later this month, but this will not include key workers who are still entitled to free parking permits while the crisis is still ongoing.

A SLDC spokesperson has said: “Parking charges continue to be suspended on SLDC car parks outside the national parks (in Grange, Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kendal and Ulverston).

“Charges in these areas are set to be reintroduced later this month and we will communicate the details to residents when they are finalised.”

The council has also confirmed that there will be no increases in parking charges once the lockdown is eased.

The reintroduction of most car park charges for councils will likely coincide with the reopening of non-essential shops on June 15th as the Covid lockdown is eased, but Barrow will not be charging the public at this time.

Parking charges were removed for members of the public when the country wide lockdown went into effect, however, as restrictions such as those placed around exercise, non-essential shops and meeting with friends and family are now being eased by the government the suspension of parking charges will soon be returning.

The council wish to make it very clear that free parking permits will still be available for essential workers and NHS staff.

For updates regarding car parking charges and other changes in council decisions in South Lakeland districts please email customer.services@southlakeland.gov.uk or visit southlakeland.gov.uk.