Motorists will be able to park in the Chester Street multi-story for free after 3pm on Mondays to Fridays, while a flat-rate charge of ?2 for the whole day will be introduced on Saturdays.

Douglas Council leader David Christian said the move is designed to encourage more shoppers in to the town centre and for them to stay longer. The local authority took over control of the Chester Street and Drumgold Street car parks earlier this year.

Mr Christian said: 'We recognise that Drumgold Street car park operating often at near 100 per cent capacity could deter shoppers and give the misleading impression that there is nowhere to park in the town centre.

'Chester Street is a convenient alternative and this has led to our trialling the ‘free after three’ scheme there, an incentive known to be successful in the adjacent isle and especially popular with parents already out in their cars having collected their children from school. Additionally weekends for many people provide the only occasion for shopping as a family and with this in mind we are introducing a ?2 flat rate to park in Chester Street all day on Saturdays when motorists will also be permitted to use the contract spaces on levels 7, 8 and 9 as well as on Sundays.'

Chester Street car park will be repainted, lighting will be improved and new pay and display machines installed. The local authority is also investigating the feasibility of increasing the size of the parking bays.


Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net

twitter @jonewsiom