Parking costs in Havering have long driven residents mad and many say it’s the reason they head to Lakeside, where parking is free, instead of supporting local high streets.
Now, Hornchurch is set for a shake-up.
Havering Council has formally approved a pilot scheme to change charges at Fentiman Way and Appleton Way car parks, following Cabinet discussions and a summer review. The changes are designed to test whether different pricing will boost footfall and support local businesses.
However, even the council admits that their financial modelling predicts the pilot may reduce parking income, meaning the experiment will be closely monitored to see whether it benefits the town centre or backfires.
Opposition councillors still have time to challenge the decision through a call-in, which would delay or pause the rollout while the scheme is reviewed.
What’s Changing?
A side-by-side comparison:
What This Means for Drivers
- Quick stops now cost more — the free 30-minute window disappears.
- Longer stays (2–3 hours) become dramatically cheaper.
- Prices for all-day parking stay unchanged.
The council hopes this encourages longer visits rather than quick stop-and-go parking.
Why the Council Says It’s Needed
The pilot aims to:
- Support high street trade by encouraging longer visits.
- Discourage rapid turnover parking that blocks short-stay bays.
- Test whether cheaper longer parking helps Hornchurch bounce back.
Political Tension
Because the council predicts the trial could lose revenue, the move could become politically heated.
If opposition councillors challenge the decision, it could trigger a delay — or even stop the pilot before launch.
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