A council says it will keep some of its parking rules relaxed to support residents and NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Swale council made changes to a number of parking restrictions when lockdown began in March and these changes will remain in place until Wednesday, July 1.

It means residents on Sheppey and in Sittingbourne and Faversham will still be able to park in resident parking bays, even if they do not have a permit.

Those displaying valid resident permits can also still use off-street car parks for free.

Meanwhile, on-street resident parking bays and off-street car parks will remain free for NHS health and social care staff, as long as they show their ID badge or official letter.

Single yellow line 30-minute wait restrictions and school waiting restrictions will also continue to be eased.

Charges for use of council-owned car parks will, however, remain in place.

Other parking restrictions that will still be enforced by the authority also include: disabled bays, for those less mobile so that they have easy access to shops; loading bays, to provide unrestricted access for lorries to deliver stock; and yellow lines placed to ensure safety and access for emergency and waste vehicles.

A Swale council spokesman said: "Enforcement will continue to ensure people are parking safely and traffic can flow, especially on narrow streets, in addition to car park charges where vehicles are parked without payment.

"Residents are urged to park safely to allow access for emergency and refuse vehicles."

He added: "If anyone is unsure which changes apply to them, please call the council on 01795 417850."

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