Free parking in Bolton town centre has been extended until September 2018.
Parking in three NCP multi-storey car parks - Octagon, Topp Way and Deane Road – will continue to remain free at weekends and bank holidays for another 14 months.
The announcement comes as new figures show that since free car parking was introduced as a pilot project in 2012, the number of vehicles using the multi-storey car parks has risen by 175 per cent.
In 2012, 85,873 visitors used the NCP car parks and this figure rose to 236,725 in 2016.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris said: “I’m really pleased to announce that we’re extending the free parking offer.
“The free parking scheme is continuing to have a positive effect on the town centre.
“It makes it easier for people to come into town and it is also a way of us supporting our retailers to encourage shoppers to come into Bolton town centre and spend their money here.
“Figures show that the free parking scheme has been a success, and the feedback we’ve had from retailers is that it has helped trade.”
The council’s partner NCP, who operate the car parks, is implementing the scheme.
Business Manager at NCP, Adrian Adams, added: “NCP is delighted to be working again with Bolton Council to continue the free parking offer on our Octagon, Topp Way and Deane Road car parks.
“The offer designed by the council to promote the town as a shopping and leisure destination continues to be a great success and has proven to grow year on year.
“It’s a real example of listening to the needs of the community while benefitting Bolton’s local economy by encouraging repeat visits from both inside and outside the town. NCP remain committed to supporting Bolton and the initiative in every way we can.”