Enjoy free parking in Royston this Christmas

Published: 02 November 2026

The initiative has been introduced to make visiting the town centre easier during the festive season, while encouraging people to support Royston's independent businesses, shops, cafés and services during one of the busiest times of the year.

Where can I park for free?

Free parking will be available at the following North Herts Council and Royston Town Council car parks and specified on-street bays:

• Angel Pavement, Market Place and Priory Gardens short-stay car parks: Maximum stay of three hours, no return within two hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.
• Please note that Angel Pavement and Market Place car parks will be closed, as usual, on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the market has finished and stallholders have left.
• Civic Centre and The Warren long-stay car parks: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.
• Market Hill on-street parking bays outside Flintshack Restaurant and Granta Medical Practice: Maximum stay of two hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.

Parking at these locations will continue to be free on Sundays, as usual.

There is nothing additional for drivers to do. 

Pay-and-display machines will be covered with signage, and PayByPhone will be unavailable during the scheme.

The free parking offer is available only at the locations listed above.

Charges and restrictions at other parking locations in Royston remain unchanged.

Time limits and parking restrictions still apply

Drivers can help the scheme run smoothly by continuing to follow the parking restrictions and time limits, which will remain in place and be enforced throughout.

Parking outside marked bays and misuse of disabled bays will be enforced across all car parks.

Businesses and their staff can use the long-stay car parks free of charge all day, helping to keep short-stay spaces available for shoppers and visitors.

Residents, visitors and businesses all have a part to play in making the scheme work well for everyone: use the right car park for your stay, follow the time limits, and help keep spaces available for others.

Nigel Smith, North Herts Council's Service Director - Place, said:

"We're delighted to be working with Royston Town Council and Royston First to offer free parking in the run-up to Christmas. We hope it will give residents and visitors another reason to enjoy the town, discover what local businesses have to offer and shop locally during this important trading period."

George Jons-Clothier, Communications Officer at Royston Town Council, said:

"We're pleased to be working with North Herts Council and Royston First to help promote the Pre-Christmas Parking Scheme. By making it easier for residents and visitors to access the town centre during the festive period, we hope to encourage more people to shop locally and enjoy everything Royston has to offer."

Paul Brown, Royston First BID Manager, said:

"The festive period is an important time for Royston's businesses. We hope the free parking offer will encourage more people to shop locally and discover the great choice available in the town."