Westminster Free Parking

19 August 2012, 11:28 | Updated: 19 August 2012, 11:36

Parking charges in Westminster are being waived for two weekends in an attempt to boost trade in the West End.

It is free to park in Westminster in paid for bays and on single yellow lines this weekend (18 & 19 August) and next weekend (25 & 26 August).

However it does not apply to double yellow lines or in resident areas.

The move is designed to attract shoppers back to the West End.

It follows a sharp drop in trade in central London at the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, as tourists, shoppers and residents were advised to avoid busy transport hubs.

A statement on the Westminster City Council website reads: "The council wants residents, visitors and businesses to make the most of the city this summer.

With so much going on in the West End and across the city, we want you all to enjoy it, so on the weekends of August 18th/19th and 25th/26th, parking in paid-for bays and on single yellow lines will be FREE of charge.

These two weekends fall between the close of the Olympic Games and the opening of the Paralympic games, and there will be lots going on in the West End and a really vibrant atmosphere. 

Visiting the West End is a great family day out and we hope that free weekend parking will tempt people to come and enjoy the sites, shops and attractions without worrying about the cost of their car. 

There will be room for everyone, so the message is: come and visit."