Councils will provide NHS staff with free parking

Coronavirus: English local authorities agree parking plan with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Robert Jenrick MP

Robert Jenrick MP

Local authorities in England will provide NHS and social care workers with free car parking following discussions involving the Local Government Association, London Councils and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted: “Today I’ve agreed with local councils in England to provide free car parking for our NHS and social care workers as they fight coronavirus.

“These heroes will be able to park in on-street bays and council owned car parks without having to worry about cost or time restrictions.

“I’m hugely grateful to the Local Government Association and local councils across the country for their support. It’s a small gesture of our gratitude to those working around the clock to save lives.”

London Councils has confirmed that NHS and social care workers will be able to park for free in council-run car parks. Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: "Having already agreed a flexible approach to parking enforcement to help key workers across the capital, boroughs are pleased to say that London's NHS staff and social care workforce will be able to park their cars for free in council parking locations.

“To protect parking for key workers and keep London’s roads moving, government also confirmed today that some essential parking enforcement must continue and therefore council enforcement staff should be out on the streets where necessary, while practicing social distancing. Essential enforcement also includes ensuring that access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire appliances is maintained.

"We need cooperation from the public to achieve this and would ask that our enforcement officers are treated with respect while carrying out this difficult work."

Details of the how scheme will work will be published soon.