In a move to promote Barnsley and increase "Vibrancy" the council has decided to drop the parking charges at weekends.  They hope to attract more people to Barnsley Town Centre.  Starting on the 6th December until at least March 2010 the 2100 Council car parking spaces will be free.

It said the introduction of free parking had been timed to help Christmas shoppers save money.

Council leader Stephen Houghton said:

"We hope these changes encourage existing shoppers to stay longer and new visitors into the town centre. In turn this will have a positive impact on local business and employment."

The cost of the trial is estimated to be £80,000 in 2008/9 and £200,000 in 2009/10.

The impact on local businesses at weekend will hopefully be greater and this should help give Barnsley a real boost and enable it to compete with Meadowhall.