First hour free summer parking starts

Orkney Islands Council is reminding drivers that a ‘first hour free’ approach at car parks across Kirkwall and Stromness for the 2021 summer period starts tomorrow, 1 July.

Drivers are reminded to ensure they still visit the ticket machines and press the green button to get a ticket, and display this in their vehicle’s windscreen – this gives car park attendants a ‘timestamp’ for each vehicle, to help ensure the fair use of the scheme.

The ‘first hour free’ for this summer was agreed by the Council earlier this year, in response to feedback from Kirkwall BID about the ongoing impact of the pandemic on local businesses.

The measure is aimed at encouraging residents and tourists alike to visit the town centres for their shopping and boost economic activity at what remains a challenging time for local traders.

The first hour free will run until the end of September – when the Council’s ‘first hour free’ winter parking policy comes into effect.

The cost of implementing this support, estimated at up to £100,000, will be met from the Council’s Coronavirus Response Fund.