Visitors to Rotherham town centre can now enjoy one hour of free parking in council-run car parks, thanks to a new initiative aimed at revitalising the high street and supporting local businesses
The scheme, which launched this week, is part of the Councilโs 2025/26 budget and includes a ยฃ50,000 investment to offer free parking Monday to Friday in all Council-operated town centre car parks. Visitors must still obtain a ticket from the machine to take advantage of the offer.
This new benefit builds on the Councilโs existing weekend offer, which provides free parking in council-owned off-street car parks with no ticket required.
Councillor John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, welcomed the launch, calling it โanother practical step to support our town centre businesses.โ
โAnyone needing to nip to the bank, market or into a shop can now do so without worrying about paying, so long as they display a ticket,โ he said. โThe free parking initiative underlines our focus on delivering a vibrant, safe, and welcoming town centre experience for all.โ
This move follows a wider regeneration programme in Rotherham, including the ยฃ47 million investment in Forge Island โ now home to Arc Cinema, Travelodge and Vetro Lounge, with new restaurant Sygnature Dish set to open this summer.
