PARKING charges are to be re-introduced in council car parks across Craven from Monday, June 1 - with the exception of NHS workers.

Craven District Council suspended charging in its car parks at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown at the end of March for key workers, essential shopping and for community volunteers.

The council, which has so far lost around £900,000 in revenue, mostly in car parking, says now the lockdown is being eased and visitors are returning to the area, it needs to start charging again.

Parking enforcement will also be reintroduced for on-street and off-street parking.

Councillor Simon Myers, Craven District Council’s lead member for Enterprising Craven, said: “We made all our car parks free at the beginning of the pandemic, so that our local residents and key workers could use them.

“Now that more people are returning to the workplace, and more people are visiting our towns and villages, we need to return to previous parking arrangements. Many other local authorities have already reintroduced parking charges in other parts of the country.

“The council has been badly affected financially by the current crisis and we do need to recover our income so that we don’t have to cut vital services."

Motorhome bays will be closed, people are being asked to maintain social distancing and to use the electronic pay system where possible to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

All NHS, health and social care workers, and volunteers connected to those services, can obtain a parking permit from the NHS, local authorities or the Royal Voluntary Society. To obtain a permit from Craven District Council, the applicant must apply using their workplace email, or show a valid ID badge. Email contactus@cravendc.gov.uk to apply for a permit.