Drivers will be able to park in two town centre car parks for 16 hours for just £2 as part of a new offer.

Colchester Council plans to introduce the offer at St Mary's and Priory Street car parks from today (January 21).

It will last until May.

It will mean drivers will be able to pay a £2 flat rate, if they arrive after 2pm.

This will allow them to park from 2pm until 6am the next day from Monday to Friday.

The offer does not include weekends.

It is also only available when drivers pay for their parking through the MiPermit cashless app, text or phone.

Councillor Mike Lilley said: “St Mary’s and Priory Street are both great car parks, in ideal locations for those who visit, shop and dine out in the town centre.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access the town, so this £2 unbeatable value offer is an excellent deal for those who want to spend time in Colchester, making a better Colchester.”

Drivers who have not used MiPermit before are advised to set-up a secure account at home before they visit.

The app can be downloaded with other payment options including the online portal, text or phone call.

By using the MiPermit app drivers have the added benefit of not having to cut a trip short as you can top up your parking without going back to the car.

To find out more about parking in the town, including locations of car parks and year-round deals, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/parking