Oldham Council has removed car parking charges at Tommyfield Market after 3pm on weekdays.
The change is in addition to the weekend car park fees across all council-owned car parks, which allows weekend shoppers to park for up to three hours without charge - although you do need to display a ticket.
The authority says it wants to make it easier to 'love your local market' by introducing the new initiative.
The free after 3pm offer applies on weekdays to the Tommyfield Market car park only.
Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: “We want to do everything we can to support traders and make it as easy as possible for customers to visit the market.
"At a meeting this week traders asked me to consider a change to parking fees. I've actioned this immediately and will continue the conversation with them so we can work together and explore other ways we can help their businesses to thrive.
“Whatever you need you can probably find it on Tommyfield Market so please take advantage of this great new offer.
“The pandemic has been really tough on the high street so let’s all get behind our brilliant independent traders and shop local as much as we can.”
Tommyfield Market boasts more than 100 businesses selling everything from pet supplies, all kinds of clothes, shoes, bags, gifts and everyday essentials. There’s a barbers, hairdressers, nail bar and eyebrow threading, as well as key cutting, shoe and clothes repairs.
Fresh produce stalls include flowers, fruit and veg, meat, fish, deli goods, bread, sweets and treats.
There are also takeaway options including authentic Thai, Indian, and Portuguese, pizza, sandwiches, fish and chips, jacket potatoes, healthy meals and more.
Tommyfield Market is also a part of the 'free bag for life' promotion running throughout March.
People can spend £5 at any local business, take their receipt across to the 'Oldham Made' pop-up shop in Spindles and pick up a free bag for life.
The Oldham Made shop is open until 31 March and sells products from independent businesses across the borough. It's based in the former Carphone Warehouse store, near the High Street entrance of Spindles.
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