West Lindsey District Council has agreed to extend the two-hour free parking pilot in Gainsborough for a further six months, allowing more time to assess its long-term impact on the town centre, local businesses and visitors.

The extension, approved by the Council’s Thriving Council Committee, will see the pilot continue until January 31, 2027 as part of the new West Lindsey Parking Strategy 2026–2031.

The decision follows a review of the pilot's performance to date, which found that while the scheme has influenced parking behaviour and has been positively received by many businesses and visitors, additional time is required to gather further evidence and fully understand its longer-term effects.

Coun Owen Bierley, chair of the Thriving Council Committee, said: “We know that free parking is an important issue for residents, businesses and visitors. Feedback received so far has highlighted the positive impact many people feel the scheme has had on Gainsborough town centre.

Gainsborough's two-hour free parking pilot has been extended for a further six months

placeholder image — Gainsborough's two-hour free parking pilot has been extended for a further six months

“By extending the pilot for a further six months, we can continue to engage with businesses, collect more data and ensure any future decisions are based on the strongest possible evidence.”

The extension will also allow the council to consider any implications arising from Local Government Reorganisation and how future parking arrangements could align with wider changes across Greater Lincolnshire.

As part of the review process, the council will continue to monitor parking usage, customer behaviour, town centre activity and financial performance. Findings from the extended trial will help inform decisions on the future of parking provision in Gainsborough.

Coun Matt Boles, chair of West Lindsey District Council and ward member for Gainsborough East, said: “The extension of the two-hour free parking has been welcomed by businesses and residents.

“I live, work and shop in the town, and businesses I talk to all say they have noticed a big impact in the past twelve months.”

The extension forms part of the council's wider Parking Strategy, which sets out plans to modernise parking services, improve accessibility, embrace new technology and support thriving town centres across West Lindsey.

Further updates on the pilot and opportunities for public and business engagement will be shared over the coming months.