DRIVERS in Okehampton will be able to use Simmons Park Car Park for free during the Christmas period.

With congestion problems affecting Market Road and School Way, the town council has decided to relax parking charges at Simmons Park during the festive season.

The council has agreed a ‘free after 3’ approach this year, which means that parking charges are suspended after 3pm from Monday to Friday.

Charges will also be suspended on Saturday mornings, meaning it is free to park all day in Simmons Park on Saturdays in December.

Parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays is also free of charge.

Town clerk Paul Snell said: ‘For those who are looking for some respite from the queues in School Way, the council hope this will provide a helpful alternative.’