Drivers urged to steer clear of cash at car parks

PARKING charges are being reinstated in all council-run car parks in Market Harborough and Lutterworth and the surrounding district from Monday.

Drivers will be urged to make non-cash payments via an app or by phone, to minimise contact with pay and display machines. They will not be required to input their registration number when getting a ticket.

“Pop and shop” bays will allow for one hour’s free parking, instead of the previous 30 minutes, to take into account the likelihood of shoppers having to queue outside shops. The bays are being introduced in George Street, Lutterworth, to coincide with parking charges being reintroduced by Harborough District Council.

Charges were suspended at the end of March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Paul Dann, the council’s cabinet lead for corporate and regulatory services, said: “Following feedback from businesses we have delayed reinstating parking charges for as long as possible, whilst being mindful of the significant loss of revenue.”