AN HOUR'S free parking is to be piloted in New Addington and Addiscombe's district centre's later this year.
The time drivers will be able to park for without charge will double if the scheme is adopted after requests from business owners and shoppers in these areas.
If successful, the scheme could be rolled out to other district centres although a Labour councillor suggested it would be considered on an area-by-area basis.
It is proposed the three month pilot will run from the start of December and February and be implemented in Central Parade, New Addington and Lower Addiscombe Road.
Ken Burgess, owner of Burgess Boys Pet Care in Central Parade and chairman of the Central Parade Business Partnership, has welcomed the proposal.
He said: "It is what we [as the business partnership] have been fighting for now years. Half an hour is no good at all, it's a complete and utter waste of time.
"The parking meters are so confusing, it takes about half an hour to use them anyway. By the time you get into a shop and choose what you want, your time's run out.
"It is definitely a good idea and it is a sensible idea."
The estimated cost of the pilot in terms of the drop in parking revenue is £9,020 and the council decided against a blanket implementation of the scheme.
Sean Fitzsimons, Labour councillor for Addiscombe, said he would wait and see how the pilot goes but would like a 'positive' result.
He added: "I've never been one for blanket policies but I think it could work in a shopping parade like Addiscombe's which has a proper range of shops.
"By the time you've parked up and gone to the butchers, the Co-op and the greengrocers, then you've already gone past half an hour."
The two areas were chosen because of their differences and will be recommended for approval at cabinet.
In New Addington, the pilot will run in both Central Parade's service road and the car park where a one hour stay currently costs between 50 and 70p. In Lower Addiscombe Road, a one hour stay currently costs 90p.
