Shoppers and visitors to Archway have extra reason to enjoy the summer as a free parking trial is extended over the next few months.
Stays in 513 local pay-and-display bays on Saturdays will remain without charge for an extended period as part of a pilot project from Islington Council.
The free parking was introduced earlier this year to help shoppers and shops alike, and to encourage visitors to the area to support local businesses.
Local traders and campaigners have welcomed the move as a welcome boost to help Archway overcome the effects of the recession.
Hak Huseyin, chairman of the Archway Town Centre Management Group, said: “This has certainly helped Saturday trading in Archway and we are hoping that this turns into a permanent arrangement.”
Councillor Catherine West, leader of Islington Council, said: “Archway is a great place and the free parking on Saturdays has been very popular. This continuation of the free parking trial is part of our ongoing work to improve the whole of Archway. We’re committed to helping businesses across Islington.”
The scheme is being monitored on an ongoing basis for its impact on local businesses and parking.
It applies in Pay and Display parking bays in Archway’s Controlled Parking Zone P, which includes bays in Junction Road, Magdala Avenue, Dartmouth Park Hill, St John’s Grove and some bays in side streets.