An innovative new pilot scheme to provide free parking for volunteer carers has been unveiled by Westminster City Council.

Unpaid carers of some of the capital's most vulnerable residents will now receive six hours free parking per week which can be used in any of Westminster's 8,000 paid for parking spaces, potentially saving them hundreds of pounds a year in parking fees.

Free parking will be offered through easy-to-use parking scratch cards which allow drivers to simply scratch off the time and date they parked before displaying the card in their windscreen.

The cards can be used flexibly to cover parking costs during any part of their caring role including shopping for the person cared for, taking them to medical appointments, taking them out socially or visiting them at home.

The scheme is currently being trialled in the borough but if successful could be made permanent across Westminster.

It recognises the vital support carers provide to help vulnerable people remain in their homes often at significant personal cost to themselves through their time, income, personal health, and quality of life.

Figures show that more than seven per cent Westminster's resident population, approximately 12,600 people, provide at least some unpaid care for a family or friend.

Cllr Ed Argar, Westminster's Cabinet Member for Health and Adults Social Services, said: "Volunteer carers provide an incredibly important contribution to our community and an invaluable role in the lives of many of Westminster's most vulnerable residents.

"This scheme recognises that contribution and demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting carers and making their role easier."

Cllr Danny Chalkley, Westminster's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, added: "Parking cards provide an easy and flexible solution for many of the motorists wishing to park in Westminster and I'm delighted that we are able to use them to help ease some of the pressures, including the financial burden, that is often carried by unpaid carers."

To be eligible for concessionary parking individuals must be an unpaid carer of a Westminster resident, of any age, who receives Attendance Allowance or the higher rate for the mobility or care component of the Disability Living Allowance.

The scheme is jointly funded by Westminster Parking Services and NHS Westminster, working in partnership with Westminster's Adult Social Services and the Carers Network Westminster who will also administer the scheme and the cards.

Carers who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply should call 020 8960 3033 between 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday for an application form or download one from our website www.westminster.gov.uk/carersparking

Source: Westminster Council

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