Enfield Council backs 30 minutes of free parking for drivers

Enfield free parking proposal approved to support local high streets

Enfield free parking proposal approved as council backs local high streets Enfield Council has unanimously approved a proposal to introduce 30 minutes of free parking across eligible street parking locations and council-operated pay-to-park car parks. The decision was made by the council’s Cabinet on 10 September, with the proposed scheme aimed at encouraging more people to visit Enfield’s high streets and improving access to local shops, services and businesses. The move comes as parking charges continue to be debated across the UK, with councils facing pressure to support town centres while managing the cost of providing and maintaining parking. How would Enfield’s free parking work? Under the proposal, motorists would receive 30 minutes of free parking per vehicle, per day at eligible street parking locations. The scheme would also cover all council-operated pay-to-park car parks from Monday to Saturday. The council says the proposal could help increase visits to local high streets, improve access to services and support businesses in town centres. However, the scheme is not yet fully in place. Enfield Council will first seek the views of residents and business owners through a public consultation. The decision is also subject to call-in, a formal process that allows councillors to review a Cabinet decision before it takes effect. Cllr Maria Alexandrou, Cabinet Member for Environment, said free parking could encourage more visitors to the borough’s town centres and high streets while helping local businesses and attracting new investment. For drivers, the proposal would add another option alongside the payment arrangements already available across Enfield. Motorists can currently pay through the PayByPhone cashless service, at participating shops displaying the PayPoint sign, or by using pre-purchased parking vouchers. The council says alternative payment methods will remain available, including paper parking vouchers sold through libraries and the Parking Shop, so motorists who cannot use digital payment methods are not disadvantaged. Blue Badge holders will continue to receive the concessions available under the national Blue Badge scheme, including the ability to park without a time limit in eligible paid-for parking bays. Existing Sunday arrangements in Enfield Town car parks will also remain unchanged, including the current provision of three hours of free parking. The proposed 30-minute scheme is therefore a targeted change rather than a complete removal of parking charges, with the council now set to gather views before the proposal can move forward. For local drivers and businesses, the consultation will be the next important stage as Enfield considers whether free short-stay parking can help make its high streets easier to access and encourage more visits.