THE suspension of charges at car parks in Flintshire will remain "for the foreseeable future", it has been confirmed.

Flintshire Council took the decision to suspend all pay and display car parking charges across the county from March 25.

This decision was made both to reduce personal contact and the risk of surface transition of the COVID-19/coronavirus from machines, and to assist key workers and essential shopping at this challenging time.

A council spokesman said: "Following the Welsh Government announcement to allow non-essential shops to open from June 22, we can confirm that the suspension of car parking charges will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

"However, to ensure the turnover of available spaces close to the town centre, there will now be a requirement for a person parking in short stay car parks only to get a ticket from the machine and display it in their vehicle. This will ensure that valuable spaces are not taken up by those coming to the town centre to park all day.

"At all those machines where a ticket is required, temporary floor markings have been placed on the ground to assist with social distancing.

"Sanitisation stations are placed at each machine and you are encouraged to sanitise your hands before and after use. If you do not feel comfortable touching the machine then you can use objects such as your car key to press the button.

"Whilst parking in car parks, all other rules apply such as parking within a marked bay and displaying a valid blue badge when parked in a designated disabled bay. Also, you are reminded to ensure social distancing is complied with at all times and where possible, allow space between your vehicle and the next.

"Council enforcement officers are now patrolling the town centres to offer advice and ensure that there is not obstructive or dangerous parking occurring."