Free festive parking for shoppers across the Black Country... Apart from in Walsall

Council bosses are waiving charges to attract shoppers during the busiest trading period of the year.

Walsall is the only authority not to offer free parking, as bosses face £25 million of cuts.

In Wolverhampton city centre it will be free parking on Wednesdays and Sundays and the days running up to Christmas.

Three will be free parking at Fold Street car park from 3pm on Wednesdays leading up to the big day. It will then run from December 21 to December 23.

There will also be free all-day parking on Fold Street on Sundays.

Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said that as well as the free parking, the council was doing what it could to keep charges as low as possible for visitors.

"It's also worth remembering that, despite the huge financial challenges we face, we have kept parking costs down for local people so that we are more than competitive with other places in our region," he said.

"It costs just £1 for two hours on most council car parks."

Shoppers can park for free in Sandwell Council car parks this weekend and next. There will be no charge in council car parks today and Saturday, December 19. Sunday parking is already free.

Councillor Maria Crompton, the council's cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "This free weekend parking will help shoppers and traders across Sandwell this Christmas."

Dudley Council has confirmed that it will offer free parking throughout today and December 19 in all of its car parks.

It's hoped the decision will boost trade in Brierley Hill, Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge, as well as smaller centres such as Sedgley and Kingswinford.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for transport, said: "The council has traditionally provided free parking in the run-up to Christmas for the benefit of our traders and shoppers.

"I would like to encourage all our residents to make the most of free parking and also join in with Small Business Saturday by doing their seasonal shopping within the borough."

Cannock Chase Council is waiving car parking charges tomorrow and next Saturday in its town centres.

Regeneration boss Councillor Diane Todd said: "I am delighted that the Council are waiving the car parking costs again this year for the last two Saturdays before Christmas.

"They are the busiest shopping days of the year, we don't want people to worry about their parking ticket running out."