The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and Peterborough City Council have begun a trial that allows visitors to park for free in the city centre after 3pm on weekdays. The scheme went live on 3 August at four council-run car parks and will run until the end of March 2028, with funding set aside from the Mayor’s budget.
Which car parks are included
The trial covers the following council car parks in the city centre:
- Bishops Road
- Car Haven
- Riverside
- Pleasure Fair Meadow
Funding and aims
The CPCA has allocated £891,667 from the Mayor’s budget to support the initiative. Local leaders say the aim is to increase footfall in the city centre and help the evening economy by encouraging people to stay later for shopping, leisure and hospitality.
“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,”
said CPCA Mayor Paul Bristow. Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, added that the offer should encourage more people to discover what the city has to offer.
Immediate reaction on day one
Responses among drivers on the first day the scheme went live were largely positive. Visitors at the Car Haven car park expressed welcome for the change, with one woman saying she appreciated not having to pay for parking and a man suggesting the trial might prompt him to visit the city centre more often.
However, some motorists said communication about the launch could have been better. One visitor remarked that awareness of the scheme needed improvement.
What this means for residents and businesses
The trial introduces a time-limited incentive for midweek evening visits to the city centre. For businesses that rely on evening trade, the free parking period could increase customer numbers later in the day. For residents and shoppers, it reduces one barrier to parking during the early evening on weekdays.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start date | 3 August |
| End date | End of March 2028 |
| Budget | £891,667 |
| Car parks | Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside, Pleasure Fair Meadow |
The authorities will be watching for changes in footfall and the scheme’s impact on the evening economy while it runs. If the trial succeeds in drawing more people to the city centre after 3pm, it could inform longer-term parking and economic strategies for Peterborough.
