Under the Christmas parking concession, introduced in 2006, car parking was free in council car parks after 4.30pm on Thursdays and all day on Saturdays during November and December. The concession was introduced to encourage shoppers and support local businesses during the extensive road works to improve the public transport hub.

With the majority of work on the transport hub now complete, the council has decided not to proceed with the free parking scheme this year.

Commenting on this decision, Pascale Wood-Atkins, president of the Aylesbury Vale Chamber of Commerce, said: "Although we understand that the free parking was a temporary initiative to help businesses during the disruption of the transport hub development, many businesses are finding it tough in the difficult economic climate and it would be of huge benefit to continue this gesture.

"The council should be doing everything it can to support businesses and encourage people to choose Aylesbury as a Christmas shopping destination. Free parking would make a considerable difference and would alleviate some of the negative impact caused by the current climate.

"We urge the council to review the situation and to consider the huge benefits that free parking scheme could bring to shoppers and the town's businesses alike."

Do you agree with the Chamber?

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