Free parking to be launched in Huntingdon following similar agreement in Peterborough
Free parking is set to be rolled out at council-owned car parks in Huntingdon after a similar deal was agreed in Peterborough.
A deal has now been reached between Huntingdonshire District Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Subject to approval by Huntingdonshire District Council’s cabinet on July 14, from October 1, free parking will be on offer after 4pm, Monday to Friday, in council-run car parks across the district.
This agreement follows the announcement of free parking at Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow car parks, which starts on August 3, subject to cabinet approval.
A total of £1.5m has been set aside in the Combined Authority’s 2026/27 budget following a manifesto pledge from Mayor Paul Bristow. It will be a time-limited trial ending at the end of March 2028.
The aim of the free parking scheme is to bring in more footfall to support local businesses, with a particular focus on boosting the evening economy and getting more people back onto the high street.
It will also support the Combined Authority’s plans to boost tourism and visitor numbers across the region, following its recent granting of Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status by VisitEngland.
Mayor Bristow said: “I pledged to bring free parking to Huntingdonshire because our market towns deserve a boost. Huntingdon, Ramsey, St Ives and St Neots are all brilliant towns with great businesses, places to eat and drink, and good communities. Free parking removes at least one barrier to more people coming in and supporting what’s on their doorstep, strengthening our local economy.
“This trial is a direct, practical response to the pressure our high streets are under and I’ll be watching the results closely.”
Sarah Conboy, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: “The Mayor’s offer to fund free parking after 4pm across Huntingdonshire has the potential to make a real difference to our towns, particularly by boosting the evening and night-time economy. We recognise the positive impact this could have in encouraging more residents and visitors to spend time later in the day in our town centres and support local businesses.
“A report on the proposal is available on our website ahead of upcoming Overview & Scrutiny and Cabinet meetings, where councillors will carefully consider the merits of the scheme.
“We remain supportive of initiatives that benefit our residents and businesses, and we look forward to working with partners to deliver the best outcomes for Huntingdonshire.”