RCT Council has confirmed that FREE festive parking from 10am each day will return to Aberdare and Pontypridd this December, as we encourage residents to Shop Local this Christmas in support of our high street traders.

For the eighth successive year, parking charges will be ceased for the whole of December – Wednesday, December 1, to Friday, December 31 (from 10am each day). Throughout the pandemic, businesses have responded to various restrictions to protect the NHS and to keep us all safe, including the closure of non-essential businesses at key times. So it’s even more important that we consider shopping locally to give local traders a boost this Christmas.

In Aberdare, FREE Christmas parking applies to car parks at Crown Buildings, Library, Green Street, Duke Street, High Street, Nant Row, Rock Grounds and Ynys. In Pontypridd, free parking will be at Gas Road, Goods Yard (Council-owned section only), Millfield, Berw Road and Sardis Road car parks.

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Each festive season, the Council encourages residents to consider carrying out as much of their Christmas shopping locally as possible, via the ongoing Shop Local campaign. It’s even more important to share the message this year, with the sacrifices that businesses have made at key times in the pandemic – putting their livelihoods on hold to help their community stay safe.

“The Council has also announced that Santa’s Grottos will be held in eight towns this year, following last year’s enforced absence due to the pandemic. In total, 13 grottos will be in principal towns across the County between November 26 and December 18.

“It’s therefore very pleasing that free December parking once again returns to Aberdare and Pontypridd in 2021 – the eighth consecutive year that we’ve been able to do this. The free parking provision will continue right the way through until New Year’s Eve, helping residents enjoy everything our fantastic high streets have to offer across this year’s festive period.”

Please note that Library, Green Street, Duke Street and High Street car parks in Aberdare, and Gas Road car park in Pontypridd, are all short-stay – for a maximum period of four hours. Town centre visitors are also reminded that if you park before 10am each day you must display a ticket up until 10am only.

Santa’s Grottos in Rhondda Cynon Taf, December

Canolfan Pennar, Mountain Ash – Friday, December 3 (3pm to 6.30pm) and Saturday, December 4 (10am to 4pm)

Tonypandy Library – Friday, December 3 (3pm to 6.30pm) and Saturday, December 4 (10am to 4pm)

Treorchy Boys and Girls’ Club – Friday, December 10 (3pm to 6.30pm) and Saturday, December 11 (10am to 4pm)

Porth Plaza – Friday, December 10 (3pm to 6.30pm) and Saturday, December 11 (10am to 4pm)

Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd – Friday, December 17 (3pm to 6.30pm)

Little Ferns, Ferndale – Saturday, December 18 (10am to 4pm)