The multi-storey car park in Workington reopened today [1 July] after closing due to the lockdown. Staff have been working hard to ensure that customers and staff are kept safe and that any risks of spreading coronavirus is reduced as much as possible.  

Therefore, measures that have been introduced include: 

• Extra cleaning of key areas, doors and handles
• Improved signage encouraging social distancing
• Payments by card only, to reduce the risk to staff when handling money 

In addition, the council is introducing changes to the free parking scheme for key workers. 

The council has been providing free parking for NHS and other key workers over the last few months to help them with the response to the pandemic. This was extended in May and continued with a wide definition of “key workers” to include shop and transport workers whilst they are providing essential services to the public.  

As the lockdown eases it is no longer possible to provide free parking for all those previously considered to be key workers. However, the council will continue to provide this concession to NHS staff, care workers and volunteers assisting with the pandemic response. This will be reviewed at the end of August and all staff making use of the scheme whilst working, need to provide evidence in their vehicle from their employer or voluntary organisation to prove their eligibility. 

Those eligible for free parking can make use of any of the council’s car parks, except Workington’s multi-storey car park.