PARKING charges will be relaxed over the festive season in ten car parks in a bid to boost the borough’s small businesses.

Waltham Forest Council has decided to “make life easier” for shoppers by giving the gift of two hours free parking in certain places at weekends throughout December.

Anyone visiting the selected car parks close to the shops after 3pm during the week, will also stay for free.

“We want to encourage as many residents as possible to do their Christmas shopping in local shops on the many excellent high streets we have all over the borough,” explained Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of the council.

The ten car parks of Christmas will be Bedford Road, Brandon Road, High Street, Linford Road, Mission Grove in Walthamstow and Church Lane in Leytonstone.

South Grove in Walthamstow will also be included, as well as Richmond Road and Hall Lane in Chingford and Stanley Road in Leyton.

There will also be no parking enforcement carried out on 25, 27 and 28 December and 1 January.

No vehicle removals will be carried out on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve after 12.30pm.

“Whether you walk, cycle, go by public transport or drive, the message is clear – get down to your local high street and spend your Christmas shopping money locally,” said Cllr Loakes.

“Obviously the more environmentally friendly you can be the better, but we appreciate that you’re probably not going to strap a 20lb turkey or a six foot Christmas tree to your push bike, so take advantage of the free parking provision when you do need to use the car.

“Giving away free parking is obviously not a decision we take lightly in these cash-strapped times, so please use our generosity to help support local businesses and give them the vital trade that Christmas brings.”