Free parking IS coming to Peterborough in 'shot in the arm' for city centre

Four council run car parks will be part of the scheme, which will see residents able to park for free in the afternoons and evenings during weekdays.

No starting date has been given for the scheme – but it is set to start later this year following an agreement between the Combined Authority and Peterborough City Council.

From later this year, and subject to final approvals from the Combined Authority and Peterborough City Council, free parking will be on offer after 3pm, Monday to Friday, in four City Council-owned car parks in Peterborough city centre: Bishop's Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow. The scheme will be funded by the Combined Authority as part of a time-limited trial.

The trial will test how free parking can attract more visitors, supporting high street businesses and other attractions in the city centre. It aims to help local shops and businesses compete with out-of-town retail and online shopping, as well as boost the evening economy.

The agreement follows £1.5 million committed by the Mayor in his 2026/27 budget to bring free parking to Peterborough and Huntingdonshire.

"I want to encourage people to come into the city centre"

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow had announced the plans for free parking as part of his election pledges when he was voted in as Mayor in 2025.

Welcoming the deal with the city council, he said: "The health of our high streets has been under huge pressure for years and that needs to change. Free parking in Peterborough city centre is intended to be a shot in the arm, and I’m pleased that my manifesto commitment is now moving to reality.

"I want to encourage people to come into the city centre, support our local businesses, increase footfall, and bring more visitors to our heritage and leisure sites. Free parking after 3pm is a chance to do just that and we'll be watching the evidence closely to see what a difference it makes.”

"This free parking offer should encourage more people to see what our city has to offer"

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said the trial would be a real boost for the city. She said: "Our City Centre Visioning project, which we have recently consulted on, is focussed on how we can create a truly inclusive city centre which attracts residents, visitors and new businesses to invest.

"The investment by the Combined Authority Mayor to provide free parking across four of our city centre car parks, Monday to Friday from 3pm, is most welcome.

"Peterborough city centre has so much to offer in terms of shopping, places to eat and drink, visitor attractions such as our fantastic Cathedral, Museum, Key Theatre, and Lido. This free parking offer should encourage more people to see what our city has to offer."

The Combined Authority is also working on a free parking scheme in Huntingdonshire.