COUNCILS have announced the introduction of a new measures to support NHS staff and key workers during the coronavirus lockdown.

The new measures will see NHS staff and critical workers granted free parking.

Braintree Council, working in partnership with the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP), will be issuing recipients with digital permits that will allow NHS staff and key workers to park in the NEPP's Pay and Display car parks for free of charge.

Any NHS staff and critical key workers may apply for the permit.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place said, "We want to do all we can to support the national effort to tackle coronavirus.

"Offering free parking for these important front line workers means they have one less thing to worry about whilst they are working long hours in these difficult times."

The move come following an announcement by Halstead Town Council to introduce similar measures last week.

Halstead Town Council run the car parks in Halstead and as a result they are also offering free car parking.

In a statement on their website, the council said: "In line with government guidance and Braintree District Council, Halstead Town Council is offering free parking to NHS and other key workers.

"Those workers are asked to place an official letterhead/other paperwork on their dashboard to indicate where they work."

The move comes at a time of great strain but immense praise of the NHS and its staff and will no doubt prove vital in supporting our NHS staff and key workers.

To find out more about Halstead Town Council's plans, visit halsteadtowncouncil.org.uk/.

For more information about the Braintree Council and NEPP permit and to apply, visit www1.parkingpartnership.org/north/coronavirusnhs.

I