It may not feel like it to many, but today 19 July is Covid Freedom Day and to mark this, the new operators of a Bournemouth town centre car park are offering free parking for three weeks.

Britannia Parking is waiving charges at the BH2 car park from today Monday 19 July to boost business for retailers, restaurants, pubs and other firms following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.

The Bournemouth-based firm, which operates more than 500 car parks nationwide, has teamed up with the owners of BH2 to offer free parking to all motorists for three hours followed by a £3 charge to park all day.

Its ‘Free for Three’ offer comes after the firm took over management of the leisure complex’s 175-space car park in Exeter Crescent and has been welcomed by business leaders and traders.

Britannia Parking chief executive Brian Parker said: “These have been tough times for everyone.

“Working closely in partnership with Legal & General, BH2’s owners, we all agreed that we need to celebrate the lifting of Covid restrictions and mark the new management of the BH2 car park.

“With our offer we can support the local community with free parking and help retailers and businesses by attracting more people into the town centre to boost trade and breathe fresh life into its streets.”

Britannia Parking, which was established in 1989, has taken over the BH2 car park from former operator NCP.

The ‘Free for Three’ offer will last until Sunday 8 August for all motorists whether they are using businesses at BH2 or not.

It will be followed by a new pricing structure as well as special offers to keep shoppers, visitors and commuters coming into the town centre.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “Safe, secure and reasonably priced car parking is pivotal to the regeneration and success of our town centres.

“BH2’s free parking pledge is to be applauded and acts as a call to arms for our residents and businesses to really pull together for Bournemouth, its community and the local economy.”

Previously, all-day 24-hour parking at the BH2 car park was £25 on a peak tariff while one hour cost £3 and three hours cost £5.

Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “This is great news and it is very welcome to see Britannia Parking as a local company become involved in the town centre.

“The offer for the BH2 car park will be a real boost in encouraging more people to return to the town centre and enjoy all it has to offer.”

Visit www.britannia-parking.co.uk/ for more details.