PARKING charges in Cheshire East Council-run car parks have been suspended to support keyworkers in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

While following government guidelines aimed at supporting keyworkers, including NHS staff, the council has decided to go further by suspending all car parking charges from midnight last night, March 26.

A council spokesman said: “The council is eager to take all possible steps in the fight against coronavirus, and has taken this decision to support keyworkers and to help prevent the risk of spreading the disease through contact.

“People who use Ringo to pay parking charges by mobile phone need not pay either and should be alerted to this by the app on their phone. The council has contacted Ringo to inform them of this decision.

“This only applies to car parks operated by Cheshire East Council. All car park machines will be sealed and notices posted to inform the public of this action.

“However, it must be stressed that everyone should follow government advice by staying at home, minimising travel as much as possible and maintaining social distancing.

Councillor Laura Crane said: “It is important that we take all the necessary steps to protect our residents and the users of our car parks, while at the same time, supporting our key workers, especially our NHS staff, so that they can get on with the task of fighting this disease and preventing its spread.”