In order to support the changing needs of residents, key workers and community volunteers during the current crisis, time restrictions within the district’s free car parks are not being enforced and no fixed penalties are being issued.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC), said: “We are in unprecedented times and as a district, it is important that we do whatever we can to help.

“Taking the decision to remove enforcement action in our car parks allows those doing essential trips to grocery stores, pharmacies and places of work to continue without the worry of time restrictions and enforcement.

“It also means local residents do not have to leave their homes to move their car.”

Until the government’s advice on social distancing relaxes, ECDC will not be issuing any penalty notices at its long stay car parks: Fisherman’s, Newnham Street, Ship Lane, Forehill (Lower Section) and Barton Road as well as the short stay car parks in St Mary’s Street, Newnham Street, The Grange and Forehill (Upper Section).

Councillor David Brown, chairman of the Finance and Assets Committee, said: “We’re doing all we can to support the government’s guidance to stay at home.

“The decision to not issue fixed penalty notices at this time will ease the pressure on essential workers and residents.”

For more information about how coronavirus is affecting ECDC’s services, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk/content/coronavirus-changes-our-services