Free weekend parking is being introduced into all council town centre car parks in Gravesend from May 23, in a bid to encourage more shoppers into the town.

The report and recommendation will go to a meeting of cabinet on May 20 for a final decision.

Simon Hookway, the council’s economic development manager, said: "We are responding to the downturn in many ways and free parking will be just one of the initiatives we are introducing to boost the economy. The Shop Smart campaign aims to get people to spend their money locally to keep the wheels of the economy turning."

The proposed free parking will be in council-owned car parks. The initiative could cost about £43,000 in car park fees, based on last year’s figures. The money is to come from the council’s contingency reserves.

Car parks in Parrock Street, Rathmore Road, Horn Yard, West Street and Market Square will all offer free parking on Saturdays, in addition to Sundays already being free.