Moray Council has rolled out its popular Free After Three scheme for the 2025 festive season, offering free parking at St Giles Multistorey Car Park in Elgin from 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. The initiative, starting December 6 and running until January 3, aims to draw more shoppers to local businesses and boost the town center economy during the busy holiday period.
Scheme Details and Timeline
The Free After Three program returns for its 11th year, providing a welcome break for drivers visiting Elgin. Council officials confirmed the scheme aligns with the community Christmas lights switch-on event, making it easier for families and shoppers to enjoy evening activities without parking fees.
This move comes as part of broader efforts to support independent retailers facing rising costs. Parking remains charged before 3pm, but the free window encourages late-afternoon visits. Local leaders expect higher foot traffic, similar to previous years when visitor numbers spiked by up to 15 percent during the scheme.
Residents can park at the central St Giles location, which offers over 400 spaces. The council urges users to follow signage and avoid blocking access points for smooth operations.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Business owners in Elgin welcome the announcement, noting it helps compete with online shopping trends. A recent survey by the local chamber of commerce showed that 70 percent of retailers reported increased sales during past festive parking promotions.
The scheme targets key shopping days, including weekends leading up to Christmas. By reducing barriers like parking costs, it fosters a vibrant town atmosphere. For instance, cafes and gift shops along the high street often see extended hours to capitalize on the influx.
Here are some expected benefits for businesses:
- Higher customer turnout in the evenings, ideal for holiday events.
- Support for small enterprises, which make up 80 percent of Elgin’s retail sector.
- Potential revenue boost, with estimates suggesting an extra 10 to 20 percent in local spending.
Council data from 2024 indicated that similar initiatives across Scotland contributed millions to regional economies. This year, Moray aims to build on that success amid ongoing recovery from economic pressures.
Experts point out that free parking correlates with longer stays, averaging two hours more per visit. This pattern could help Elgin stand out against larger cities like Aberdeen, where parking fees deter some shoppers.
Community Reactions and Broader Context
Residents have shared positive feedback on social media, praising the council for making holidays more accessible. One local parent mentioned how the scheme eases family outings to see the lights without added expenses.
Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of the economic growth committee, highlighted the focus on creating a welcoming environment. He noted that the program supports not just shopping but also community gatherings, like markets and carol services.
In comparison to other regions, similar free parking efforts have popped up. For example, councils in East Dunbartonshire and High Peak recently announced festive waivers to aid high streets.
| Location | Free Parking Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Elgin (Moray) | Dec 6 – Jan 3 | Free after 3pm at St Giles |
| Bearsden (East Dun) | Saturdays in Dec | All council car parks |
| Buxton (High Peak) | Specific Dec dates | Includes lights events |
| Clitheroe (Ribble Valley) | Saturdays pre-Christmas | Selected car parks from 9:30am |
This table shows how Moray’s approach fits into a national trend of holiday incentives. While some areas offer full-day free access, Elgin’s timed window balances revenue needs with public benefits.
Future Plans and Sustainability
Looking ahead, the council plans to evaluate the scheme’s success through traffic data and business feedback. If effective, it could expand to other car parks or extend hours in future years.
Sustainability remains a priority, with encouragement for carpooling or public transport alongside the free parking. Officials are also exploring electric vehicle charging additions to promote green travel.
The initiative ties into Scotland’s wider economic strategies, including grants for town center revitalization. With inflation easing in 2025, such programs could play a key role in steady growth.
What do you think about this festive boost? Share your thoughts in the comments or spread the word to help local businesses thrive this season.
