Free parking agreement reached for Huntingdonshire

Free parking agreement reached for Huntingdonshire

Free parking is set for council-run car parks across Huntingdonshire after a funding agreement was reached between the Combined Authority and the district council.  

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. 

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow’s manifesto pledge was to bring in free parking to boost high streets in both Peterborough and Huntingdonshire and backed it by setting aside £1.5m in his 2026/27 budget.  It will be a time-limited trial ending at the end of March 2028. 

This agreement follows the announcement of free parking in four city council-owned car parks in Peterborough, which starts on August 3, subject to cabinet approval.  

High streets in Huntingdonshire’s market towns have been increasingly under pressure alongside many in the country. 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. 

Paul 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.”