Free parking for Peterborough confirmed  

Free parking for Peterborough confirmed  

Free parking has been confirmed for Peterborough from August 3 after Peterborough City Council’s cabinet yesterday (July 21) accepted grant funding from the Combined Authority to deliver free parking in four council-owned car parks from 3pm.  

Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow car parks will all be covered by the scheme, between Monday to Friday, as part of a time-limited trial. 

The scheme was pledged by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow in his manifesto, as part of his wider ambition to regenerate Peterborough city centre and support the high street.   

Free parking aims to bring in more footfall to support local businesses and the health and vibrancy of the evening economy. The impact of free parking will be monitored to assess its impacts.   

£891,667 of the total Mayor’s budget set aside for free parking will enable the scheme to run until the end of March 2028. 

This scheme aims to support the evening economy, attract more visitors, support city centre businesses and attractions, and help local traders compete with out-of-town and online retailers.    

Paul Bristow said: “Free parking is happening this summer, and it’s part of my work to regenerate and revive our city centre.  

“The city centre needs a lift, and 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. 

“Peterborough has a lot of potential, and free parking is one step towards getting our city thriving.” 

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “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. 

“At the Cabinet meeting where members approved acceptance of this funding concerns were raised about the impact of this scheme on people using more environmentally friendly forms of transport and assurance was given that investment will continue in schemes which promote active travel.”