This is with immediate effect. The car parks will also remain open for use by local residents such as those who have permits.  

The council fully supports the government’s efforts to prevent all unnecessary travel and this move is not designed to encourage shoppers or visitors to the area. The council continues to ask people to stay at home, to help protect the local NHS services.  

The car parks which are now free are: 

• Workington: Ladies Walk, Udale Street, Elizabeth Street, Brow Top, Brow Top Annexe, Central Station, Allerdale House 
• Cockermouth: Fairfield, Bitterbeck, Memorial Gardens, Sullart Street and Riverside 
• Keswick: Bell Close, Otley Road, Central and Lakeside 
• Wigton: Water Street 

The following car parks have always been free, but the time restriction will no longer apply: 

• Maryport: Mill Street 
• Cockermouth: All Saints 
• Workington: Horse Close 
• Wigton: Council Centre and Market Hill 

No charges will also apply in car parks which we manage on behalf of other organisations. These are: 

• Keswick: Booths (Tithebarn Street), Derwent Mill and Rawnsley Hall 
• Maryport: South Quay and Irish Street. 

Closure of the multi-storey car park in Workington 

The council closed the multi-storey car park in Workington earlier this week, to help reduce the risk of infection from the coronavirus. 

It was considered that with its stairways, doors, lifts and other communal areas, users of the car park were more at risk of spreading and contracting the virus. 

The move, taken as part of the council's business continuity plans, also frees up staff to help with maintaining core services and assisting with any other tasks required to help those affected by the impact of coronavirus.