Motorists could save hundreds of pounds a year on parking thanks to a council scheme.

Cheshire East Council is encouraging those who regularly park in the borough to consider signing up to the relaunched 'Parking Saver' discount permit scheme.

These permits allow unlimited parking at participating car parks from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Councillor Liz Braithwaite, vice-chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "We know that there are people who need to use our car parks on a daily basis, mainly for work or business. The Parking Saver permit is an opportunity to save money if you are able to pay in advance for a three or 12-month permit.

 "That's why Cheshire East Council is encouraging drivers who park in our car parks every day or on a regular basis to look into the Parking Saver.

 "As an example, someone who's parking daily on Wrexham Terrace car park in Crewe could save almost £300 by buying an annual permit instead. As another example, someone who is parking daily on Churchill Way car park in Macclesfield could save more than £500 by buying an annual permit.

"The permits are also not specific to a particular car park or town. Instead, they can be used on any car park across Cheshire East that's included in the tariff they've paid for. This is particularly useful for people who may travel around the borough for their work.

"The existing residents' car park permit scheme is unaffected."

Instead of paying daily, customers can choose to buy a quarterly or annual permit and save money – almost £800 per year in some cases.

There are four permit types to choose from.

Permits can be used at any participating car park within the tariff band, and those below it.

Permit types (with quarterly/annual prices)

• Low Tariff Permit (£170/£504) - Valid only on low tariff car parks
• Medium Tariff Permit (£215/£670) - Valid on medium and low tariff car parks
• High Tariff Permit (£250/£800) - Valid on high, medium and low tariff car parks
• Railway Tariff Permit (£350/£1,150) - Valid on all tariff levels, including railway car parks

Parking Saver permits do not guarantee a space or provide reserved parking and are valid for a year/three months from the date they are purchased.

When purchased by an individual, they are specific to a vehicle's registration but are digital and so do not need to be displayed. They are checked electronically by the council's enforcement officers.

 Councillor Braithwaite added: "As well as residents and commuters, businesses may also benefit from Parking Saver.

 "Permits bought by a business are not specific to a vehicle registration, meaning they can use the scheme to purchase permits for their employees or customers and offer them free parking as an incentive.

 "There is more information about Parking Saver on the council's website – search for 'Parking Saver' – and I encourage anyone who thinks that they could benefit to take a look without delay."

Contract permits have been available for many years on a limited number of car parks.

In 2024, this scheme was extended to include more car parks, along with the introduction of the four tariff options.

Cheshire East Council is now 'relaunching' the scheme to make more people aware of the potential savings on offer.