SHOPPERS are to get free parking as an incentive to spent in the town centre.
Passes handed out by traders and available online will be give people four hours free at the Newbold Road and John Barford car parks after 10am.
It is the latest initiative to entice people back to the town centre by Rugby First and the borough council.
People must validate their pass by texting their vehicle registration to a designated number at normal text message charges, write the date, time and car registration number on the pass and display it in their window. Each can only be used once.
Aftab Gaffar, managing director of Rugby First, said: “The new initiative aims to balance free parking, manage the demand for spaces and encourage more visitors into the town centre.
“The scheme will be well promoted via posters, adverts and social media and I would encourage people to use these passes to support local businesses and provide a boost to the town centre economy.”
Parking has previously been offered free or a discounted price in the run up to Christmas.
Coun Heather Timms, the council’s economy spokeswoman, said: “A thriving town centre has a vital role to play in Rugby’s growing economy, and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Rugby First to deliver this innovative free parking scheme.
“By rewarding customers who shop in Rugby with the opportunity to park for free, we’re giving residents another reason to shop local and support our town centre stores.”
Passes can be obtained from local businesses following a purchase or downloaded from rugbytowncentre.co.uk.
