Free parking in Peterborough begins
The trial that will bring free parking to Peterborough has started
An initiative that will see visitors to the city centre park for free after 3pm on weekdays, Monday to Friday, has begun.
The scheme is now live at four council run Peterborough city centre car parks: Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow.
It is hoped that the time-limited trial – which is part of a joint agreement between the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Peterborough City Council – will help to increase footfall within the city and have a positive impact on the evening economy. CPCA Mayor, Paul Bristow, said “Increased footfall, a busier high street and more people choosing to come into the city for an evening out will be great for local businesses and great for the local economy.”
“This free parking offer should encourage more people to see what our city has to offer,” added Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council.
A total of £891,667 of the Mayor’s budget has been set aside for the scheme, which will run until the end of March 2028.
The response from drivers at the Car Haven Car Park on the day the scheme went live (August 3) was largely positive.
"Yeah, it’s great,” one woman said, “I love not having to pay for parking.” ”I’m not a very frequent visitor into the centre,” said one man, “but if it’s free parking I might make it in a little bit more often.”
Some people however felt disappointed that they didn’t know the scheme was happening. "The knowledge of it could be very, very much improved,” one motorist shared.