Harrow makes free parking scheme permanent

A local authority claiming to be "the most generous in London" for free parking has confirmed this perk will now become permanent in a bid to continue boosting footfall across the borough.

Harrow Council offers at least one hour of free parking in 13 council-run car parks, as well as all on street pay and display bays.

Visitors have been able to park for free for up to an hour in on-street bays since 2022, with the offer expanded to most council car parks the following year.

The council has now agreed to make the scheme permanent, saying it encourages residents to shop locally. The policy was included in the recently approved council budget.

When first introduced, the measure was expected to cost the council around £1m a year in lost revenue. However, the authority says the offer has made a "significant difference" to footfall across the borough.

Speaking during a Commons debate in December, Harrow East MP Bob Blackman described the borough's approach as "the most generous parking allowance anywhere in London".

Other London boroughs, including Barnet, Southwark and Tower Hamlets, offer some free parking, but typically only in specific locations or at certain times.

Harrow Council leader Paul Osborn said the scheme "makes a big impact" on local businesses.

He said: "I am very proud of the one-hour free parking offer in Harrow – we are the only London borough that offers anything like that extent of free parking both in our car parks and our on-street spaces.

"We know from our residents' survey that a large number of people were aware of the one-hour free parking and many said it encouraged them to shop locally.

"I know from talking to trade groups, residents and businesses across the borough that it makes a big impact on their business."

According to council figures, more than 10 million free parking sessions have been used since the offer was introduced. Usage of council-run car parks has risen by 33%, while on street parking has increased by 11.1%.

The one hour free parking allowance can be used once per day.

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