Selectmen Approve Free Holiday Parking for Extra Week

Shoppers will be able to park at metered spaces free of charge for three weeks this holiday season. The Board of Selectmen approved a measure Oct. 31 to allow free parking for an extra week compared to prior years.

Selectman Ellen Gibbs read a motion announcing that meters will be shut off between Dec. 12 and Jan. 12, 2012.

Traditionally, meters at 2-hour and 4-hour spaces are shut off as a courtesy to shoppers and merchants for only the weeks before and after Christmas. This year, that period has been extended.

“[Merchants] have asked for a slightly longer period of time this year,” Board Chair Barbara Searle said.

The free parking does not apply to commuter lots, according to Searle.