OKEHAMPTON Town Council is offering free short-stay parking during November and December in Simmons Park to help boost trade in the town.
The move was proposed by mayor Christine Marsh at a meeting of the town council's policy and resources meeting on Monday.
Cllr Marsh said she felt the authority should be helping to support the traders of Okehampton during this difficult time following the foot and mouth crisis — and her idea was wholeheartedly supported by members.
In the run up to Christmas and New Year the two and three-hour charge will be waived.
Trader Neil Hancox, of DIY Supplies, said it was a nice gesture: 'I am very pleased — anything that brings confidence back in shopping in Okehampton has got to be a good thing.
'There have been enough barriers to stop people coming into the town, the latest being the roadworks so this will offset some of the hassles people have been experiencing.'
Cllr Marsh said the car park was not policed but she hoped people would not take advantage of this gesture by parking all day for free.
Simmons Park car park charges will increase in the New Year for the first time in 25 years.
This decision has been taken to cover the costs of car park maintenance.