Salisbury and Amesbury 'free parking' incentive ends year on from Novichok attacks

Since last year's attacks people have been able to park for free from 3pm in council car parks. Credit: PA images

A 'free parking' incentive in Salisbury and Amesbury which aimed to increase visitor numbers after last year's Novichok attacks ends today.

Since last year locals and visitors have been able to park for free in council-run car parks after 3pm.

It was introduced by Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council to help improve footfall following the deadly nerve agent attacks in 2018.

Yulia and Sergei Skripal were left seriously ill after coming into contact with the nerve agent Novichok in March 2018. Credit: ITV West Country

From today (Tuesday 23 April) charges will resume, except in Culver Street Shoppers Car Park.

Free parking will remain in all car parks on Sundays.

In an effort to keep people going to Salisbury, the City Council has announced the five park and ride sites will remain free from Monday to Saturday.

Alistair Cunningham, Executive Director of Wiltshire Council, said they're "very pleased" with the strides the city has taken in its recovery process and now feel it's "the right time to make these changes".

Salisbury BID (Salisbury Business Improvement District) said they've been "working closely with the council to evidence the impact of last year's events" on businesses.