Havering Council Tests £1 Parking to Support Hornchurch Businesses

Havering Council is set to trial a new low-cost parking scheme in Hornchurch in a move it says will boost local shopping and help businesses thrive.

Under the pilot, drivers using Fentiman Way and Appleton Way car parks will pay a flat £1 charge for up to two hours, replacing the current free 30-minute period. Parking for up to three hours will cost £2, with standard charges applying for longer stays.

The Council says the aim is to encourage short, convenient visits to Hornchurch town centre, increase turnover of parking spaces, and support local traders as part of its Keep it Local campaign. The scheme is also intended to deter commuter parking.

The trial will go live on Monday 15 December, with clear signage in place so residents and visitors are aware of the changes. Data gathered during the pilot will be used to decide whether the scheme should become permanent and potentially rolled out to other areas of the borough.

The two car parks were chosen following input from the Council’s town centre teams and members of the newly formed Hornchurch BID team. The Council has also highlighted that free parking remains available across Havering 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.”

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