Changes to free parking across the borough’s 7 towns are being introduced, in a bid to make it easier for people to park, pop in, and support local businesses.

Ealing Council is introducing a simplified short-stay parking system, ‘stop and shop+’. This will offer 30 minutes of free parking, along with the flexibility to pay and stay for longer.

What’s changing?

Between now and October, the current ‘stop and shop’ parking spaces will become stop and shop+. New signs displaying the revised parking restrictions will start appearing on a town-by-town basis from now to October, with enforcement following shortly after. Updates will be published on the council’s website before the work begins in each area and as the work progresses.

To claim your free half hour, you need to either:

• register your parking session using the PayByPhone app
• call PayByPhone (0330 400 7275)
• text PayByPhone (when your phone number has been registered)
• or visit a local in-store PayPoint

PayPoint is an in-store face-to-face payment service to register for your free 30-minutes of parking, or pay for any extended periods of parking you require. You will need the PaybyPhone location code for where you intend to park, and your vehicle registration number. The PayByPhone location code is located on the signs at every parking location in the borough.

To find your nearest PayPoint store, you can:

• view a map of all PayPoint stores
• text the word CASH to 60075 along with the PayByPhone location of where you are parked. You will receive a text with details of your two nearest PayPoint stores
• look out for stores bearing the following sign:

If you need more time, you can now extend your stay for up to 2 hours at the standard hourly rate.

Why the change?

The old system had varying time limits across the borough, which led to confusion, and in some cases, misuse. Stop and shop+ aims to keep things simple, fair, and consistent. It will also allow for more residents to use the bays for quick visits.

Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Stop and shop+ not only gives residents and visitors more flexible parking options, but it also helps local businesses by making sure spaces are available for genuine shoppers.

“We know most people follow the rules, but a few staying too long can make it harder for others to park. We’re also encouraging people to walk or cycle for short trips where they can, freeing up spaces for those who really need them.”

Find out more

Information about the scheme on the council’s website will include:

• the start date for that area
• and the 2-week grace period during which no fines will be issued

Please check the website before parking to ensure you’re aware of the latest updates for that area.

What do I need to do?

When they come into effect, you should:

• check parking restriction details on signs
• register your free 30-minute session via the PayByPhone app, phone, text or at a PayPoint store
• stay longer if needed – just pay the standard rate

To help everyone adjust, no fines will be issued during the first 2 weeks in every new location, from when the new signs are displayed.

Blue Badge holders remain exempt from these changes.

Your views

The council held a 21-day statutory consultation to hear from residents and businesses, and met with local Business Improvement Districts and the High Streets Task Force to discuss the proposed changes. You can read the full report on the council’s website.