London Mayor announces increased parking times

The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) are to increase parking times at 600 bays on TfL red routes across the capital to encourage more people to shop on London’s high streets and boost the local economy.

‘Stop & Shop’, one of the Mayor’s manifesto pledges, aims to provide greater flexibility for motorists to park and shop, pay a bill or run an errand.

Parking time will be increased from 20 to 30 minutes on the majority of TfL red route parking bay across the capital, allowing people to spend more time on the high street, boosting small businesses.

The changes follow consultation with Londoners, businesses and boroughs councils, with 19 of the 22 London boroughs affected by the introduction of ‘Stop and Shop’ welcoming the plans.

Where boroughs did not support proposals, TfL has not made changes but will continue working with boroughs to encourage them to explore plans to make parking times in the capital as flexible as possible.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Parking is a hot topic for Londoners going about their daily lives, as well as for the capital’s businesses and retailers.

“I’m thrilled that we have been able to extend parking time in our high streets. This will make a huge difference to local businesses and I hope everyone will embrace the new ‘Stop and Shop’ bays.”

‘Stop and Shop’ is one of a range of measures the Mayor has introduced to breathe life into our high streets, including major investment into shop and public realm improvements from his Outer London and Regeneration Funds, says TfL.

Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s chief operating officer for surface transport, said: “We’re pleased to implement these plans in line with the Mayor’s manifesto commitment. 

“The changes will be welcomed by drivers who shop in their local area but need greater flexibility with parking times; and by retailers who will have a captive audience for longer periods of time.”

The work to replace the signs at affected bays has been completed. Motorists are reminded to always check the signs at the parking bay which details the parking restrictions.