Rutland County Council is continuing to monitor parking in Oakham and Uppingham to help keep shoppers, visitors and road users safe.

As part of the Council's response to COVID-19, parking charges in all council-run public car parks remain suspended until further notice. This is being done to support businesses that have reopened following the easing of national lockdown measures.

The Council's Civil Enforcement Officers are out and about in both of Rutland's market towns, with a focus on deterring dangerous parking that can cause traffic congestion or pose a risk to pedestrian and other motorists.

This includes parking on pedestrian crossings and yellow lines, parking for longer than allowed in on-street bays where time limits apply, and parking in reserved spaces without the necessary permit – such as blue badges for disabled parking bays.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Rutland County Council, says: "Lockdown meant a drastic reduction in the volume of cars and other vehicles parking in town.

"Now that restrictions have been eased and most of our local businesses are back open, we're seeing a return to something like normal traffic levels.

"We're keen to encourage people back into our towns to shop local, particularly throughout the summer months, which is why we're continuing with free parking in council car parks that are normally 'pay and display'.

"It's important to remember, however, that other parking restrictions still apply, so that we can guard against inappropriate or unsafe parking."

Councillor Stephenson added: "We are taking a pragmatic and sensitive approach to parking, appreciating that these are still very challenging times for everyone.

"Civil Enforcement Officers are still out and about in our towns – following social distancing rules. Where possible, they will be talking to drivers to inform and advise, with the hope of avoiding Penalty Charges. Penalty Charge Notices can still be issued if needed, though."

Free parking in Council-run public car parks was introduced in Rutland in March. The payment of resident permit fees continues to be required.