Free parking in Peterborough city centre: Exactly when scheme will start - and which car parks will be included

The scheme will see residents able to park in certain city centre car parks for free, and was part of Mayor Paul Bristow’s election pledge.

Whilst it won’t be in place for the very start of the school summer holidays, it will begin very shortly – in just a few weeks, in fact.

Here is all you need to know about the scheme.

When does the free parking scheme start?

The first day of free parking will be Monday, August 3.

Which car parks are taking part?

Four Peterborough City Council car parks will be part of the scheme.

These are:

Bishops Road

Car Haven

Riverside

Pleasure Fair Meadow

Other car parks in the city – including council run facilities (such as Fletton Quays) and the Queensgate car parks are NOT included in the scheme

What times will the scheme be running?

The scheme will NOT be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Free parking will be offered Monday-Friday, after 3pm.

Why is scheme being tried?

The chief aim of the free parking scheme, which will be run on a time-limited trial, is to bring in more footfall to support local businesses, and increase the health and vibrancy of the evening economy.

The impact of free parking will be monitored to assess its impacts.

What have leading politicians said about the scheme?

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said: “I said I would bring free parking and it’s happening this summer.

“I made this pledge because I believe our city centre needs a lift. Free parking after 3pm means more people choosing to come into the city for an evening out, to shop, to eat and to support the businesses that make Peterborough worth visiting.

“This is just a part of my work to regenerate and revive our city centre and I can’t wait to see what difference this makes.”

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Our city centre has much to offer including shopping, visitor attractions, places to eat and drink, and we are investing time and money into making that offer even better, including the £1.5m Pride in Place funding.

“The free parking offer that we have agreed with Mayor Paul Bristow will only help to encourage more people to visit our city centre which of course we welcome.

“Subject to Cabinet approval in July, it is great that the free parking will be in place from 3 August in time for people to enjoy what our city has to offer during the school summer holidays. We would have wanted it to start sooner however we must build in time to complete the statutory traffic management orders. The Combined Authority team and the council are both content for this to be the start date.”

Similar scheme starts in Huntingdonshire later this year

A similar scheme is beginning in Huntingdonshire on October 1

This scheme will see all council run car parks offer free parking from 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Start dates on both the Peterborough and Huntingdonshire schemes are subject to council approval.