Motorists in Felixstowe will be allowed to park for free for a few hours on a day in December to help with the cost of living crisis.

It is all part of a district wide initiative so Christmas shoppers and visitors to festive events across East Suffolk can enjoy free parking in council-owned car parks on selected dates. 

To coincide with Christmas lights 'switch ons' and other festive events across the district over the coming weeks, East Suffolk Council is offering free parking in council-owned car parks from 4pm on the following dates:

• Bungay - Friday 18 November
• Halesworth - Saturday 19 November
• Beccles - Friday 25 November
• Southwold – Saturday 26 November
• Framlingham – Friday 2 December
• Saxmundham - Friday 2 December
• Lowestoft – Saturday 3 December
• Aldeburgh – Saturday 3 December
• Wickham Market – Saturday 3 December
• Felixstowe – Saturday 3 December
• Woodbridge – Sunday 4 December
• Leiston – Saturday 10 December
• Oulton Broad – Friday 16 December

Free parking will also be available from noon to 6pm on Saturday 17 December across the district.

Cllr Norman Brooks, cabinet member for Transport said: "We are pleased to be again offering free parking at council-owned car parks during the festive period, as part of a special programme agreed with the respective town councils across East Suffolk."

Signs will be in place on the tariff boards within each car park advising visitors of the free parking offer, as well as information on the RingGo app. 

Parking fees will also be suspended at certain times on Sunday 13 November to enable people to attend Services of Remembrance across East Suffolk. 

As an alternative to using the car, residents are encouraged to consider walking, cycling or public transport.