Residents and visitors of Barking and Dagenham can now park for free for up to one hour in both on street locations as well as some council-owned car parks.

The announcement was made earlier this year following a Cabinet meeting and came into play on Thursday 14 December.

Drivers will be able to park at secondary shopping parades (on street) at existing and future Pay-by-Phone locations for free for one hour - this is an increase from the previous 30-minute offer.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We know times are hard with the cost-of-living crisis, so I’m delighted that we’re able to offer this free parking for longer.

“Residents will now be able to shopping, and access other local amenities and services without having to worry about paying and this is just in time for the Christmas period.”

To benefit from the free parking sessions, drivers must be registered via PayByPhone and this can be done on the PayByPhone App or by calling 020 7005 0055.