Coronavirus: Free parking in some car parks for people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations 

Residents driving to get their COVID-19 vaccinations will be able to park for free in some Shropshire Council car parks, in areas where no other suitable alternative parking is available.

Free parking will initially be available in a number of designated spaces at Smithfield Road car park, Bridgnorth, and at Easthope Road 3 car park, Church Stretton – on the days and times when coronavirus vaccinations are taking place at the nearby GP-led vaccination hubs.

The designated bays for free parking are in place at:

• Smithfield Road car park, Bridgnorth near the footpath from the car park to Bridgnorth Medical Practice, Northgate Health Centre.
• Easthope Road 3 car park, Church Stretton, which is reserved for residents receiving their vaccinations at Church Stretton Medical Practice, Easthope Road.

Easthope Road car park, Church Stretton

Shropshire Council is working with other GP-led hubs and NHS colleagues with a view to extending this offer to other car parks in the county if required, and further details will follow as arrangements are confirmed.

Now that more doses of COVID-19 vaccines are available, the NHS is able to open more vaccination services in Shropshire, including large vaccination centres and, in the near future, pharmacies.

People who are eligible, and who haven’t already been vaccinated, will receive letters from the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service, telling them how they can book their appointment.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“The vaccination programme is ramping up locally and we want to do everything we can to support the efforts of our NHS partners and help our residents get their vaccine. We hope offering free parking in locations where no alternative parking is available will make attending appointments as easy as possible.”

“I want to thank officers who are working directly with those medical practices where there is a requirement for support.

“We recognise the importance of the vaccination, and ensuring free parking at Shropshire Council car parks gives people one less thing to worry about once they receive their appointment.”

Further information

• Free parking is for patients attending the COVID-19 vaccination centres/clinics for the duration of the appointment.
• The vehicle that is driven either by the patient/carer/family member/support bubble will be eligible to park in the designated free parking area/spaces for the duration of the appointment free of charge
• Any parking stay required after vaccination has been completed will require the vehicle to be moved from designated spaces and payment made to cover the duration of any further stay if remaining in the pay and display car park or alternative paid location.
• People should use alternative parking if they are not attending the vaccination clinics, to allow the smooth operation for patients and for the medical practices in this challenging delivery programme.
• Signage will be in place to show where the designated parking areas are located.
• People are asked to observe the signage and to not park in these areas unless having a vaccination, as checks will be in place.