Havering Council is looking to introduce a pilot offering a £1 charge for two hours parking in Fentiman Way and Appleton Way car parks in Hornchurch.
It would replace the current free 30 minute period with a flat rate of £1 for the first two hours and £2 for up to three hours,
Current standard parking charges apply for those who wish to stay longer.
The aim is to encourage short-term visits and increase the opportunity for residents to shop locally
Plus, support the borough’s businesses as part of the Council’s Keep it Local campaign. It also aims to continue to deter commuter parking.
The trial will go live on Monday 15 December 2025 with signage visible in those car parks for residents and visitors to see.
Information from the pilot will be used to assess if it could be made permanent with the potential for it be trialled in other areas.
The two car parks were selected for the pilot, based on input from the Council’s town centre teams and members from the new Hornchurch BID team.
The Council currently also offers free parking across the borough all day on Sundays.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“This trial is just one part of a wider effort to support local businesses, encourage people to our town centres, and make it easier for residents and visitors to access shops and services.
“It gives us a chance to test whether a small change like this can make a difference to our residents and visitors, plus give additional support to our local businesses.
“We hope this will improve access to Hornchurch and make it easier for residents to Keep it Local by supporting their town centres and the great local businesses on their doorstep.”