Parking to remain free in three towns after U-turn

Free parking will continue in three market towns after plans to start charging drivers were reversed.

West Northamptonshire Council asked for public feedback on the idea of introducing fees in Brackley, Towcester and Daventry, with some traders warning charges could be "disastrous".

The plan was reversed at a cabinet meeting to sign off the council's final budget for 2026-27, which will now be discussed at full council next week.

Mark Arnull, leader of the Reform UK-run authority, said they received more than 3,000 responses and had "listened to our residents on this important issue".

"These draft proposals were never set in stone and were always on the table to be shaped further by residents, so I'm pleased that the significant engagement and feedback we've received has helped us to do this," he said

The Leader of the Conservative Group at West Northamptonshire Council Dan Lister welcomed the move but said: "Are residents really supposed to be grateful for getting back something that has always been free?

"Your instinct was to introduce the charges. The only reason that it has changed is because the residents pushed back."

Increases to parking charges in Northampton, including the removal of two hours of free parking at the weekend and concessions for blue-badge holders, will remain in the authority's final budget proposals.

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