Shoppers and businesses are to get a boost as one hour's free parking comes into force on all council car parks across Dudley borough from Sunday.

Since April, a trial has seen motorists being able to park for free for two hours on council car parks in Dudley, Brierley Hill, Halesowen and Sedgley.

From Sunday the trial is to change to one hour’s free parking offered on all borough council-owned car parks, including those in Stourbridge and Kingswinford. Council bosses intend to make free parking a permanent offer in the borough from next April, as part of the budget setting process. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said:

“We’re committed to providing free parking across the borough long term to help our local town centres thrive, but want to ensure we do this in the best way.

“So we’re changing the trial to one hour’s free parking on all council pay and display car parks across the borough. We continue to listen to local businesses, shoppers and visitors who we hope will welcome this latest move as a boost to their town centres.”

People wanting to take advantage of the one-hour free parking must print and display a free parking ticket from the machines already in place. Normal charges will apply for people parking for longer than one hour and return is prohibited within three hours of leaving. Additional signs publicising the one hour free parking will be displayed.

For information on current parking tariffs in Dudley Council car parks people can visit dudley.gov.uk/resident/parking-roads.

The final decision on funding for free parking will be taken by full council as part of the budget making process.