Free Parking has now ended in Rotherham

Free Saturday parking in the town centre's council-run car park and the on-street parking bays officially ended on Saturday, January 8, and large posters stating "FREE SATURDAY PARKING HAS NOW ENDED" were displayed pointing out the change.

Despite the notices last week some motorists - 33 - continued to park without buying a ticket. However, as a goodwill gesture the Council decided to issue warning notices, rather than penalty charges.

But now the honeymoon period is over and this Saturday, January 15, the authority will issue penalty charge notices to any vehicle that is parked without displaying a valid pay and display ticket.

The re-instatement of Saturday charges comes because the Council has exhausted every alternative funding option.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Town Centres,  Cllr Richard Russell, said: "The funding we originally received to pay for free parking incentives was actually cut in July. But the authority agreed to find funding of its own to continue free Saturday parking to cover the Christmas period, which we know is so important to local traders.

"Unfortunately, funding to continue the scheme is just not available, especially as other essential services must continue under an already-reduced budget. Last week we decided to give an amnesty to those  motorists who did not pay but unfortunately we simply cannot continue to do that and it would be unfair on those who do pay. So, from this Saturday those motorists who not purchase a valid ticket will receive a penalty notice."

Rotherham town centre does, in comparison to neighbouring towns, offer low cost and plentiful parking. For example it costs only £1.20 for two hours parking in all council-run off street car parks and 50p for half an hour, £1 for an hour and £2.50 for two hours for all on-street parking. In addition by using their Shop Local card shoppers are still receiving good value when shopping locally in the town centre.