Changes to short-stay FREE parking in Ealing
Fri 15 Aug 2025
The new ‘Stop and Shop+’ system will provide 30 minutes of free parking with the option to pay to stay longer, simplifying short-stay parking for everyone.
From now until October, existing ‘Stop and Shop’ parking spaces will be updated to Stop and Shop+. New signage showing the revised rules will be installed town by town, with enforcement starting soon after.
How to claim your free 30 minutes
Updates will be published on the council’s website before the work begins in each area and as it progresses.
The Stop and Shop+ scheme is set to go live in Southall on 30 August 2025, with a grace period ending on 13 September 2025.
To claim your free half hour, you need to either:
- register your parking session using the PayByPhone app
- call PayByPhone (0330 400 7275)
- text PayByPhone (when your phone number has been registered)
- or visit a local in-store PayPoint
Residents and shopkeepers raise concerns over new rules
Previously, anyone could use the bays free of charge for up to 30 minutes by simply entering their vehicle registration into a nearby ticket machine to confirm their arrival.
The system was designed to help local businesses by making short visits easier, especially in areas with Controlled Parking Zones.
Now, while the 30 minutes remain free, drivers must use the PayByPhone app, call, text, or visit a PayPoint store to register their session. No paper ticket is issued, and failure to register could result in a fine.
Residents and shopkeepers have raised concerns over Ealing Council’s changes to the Stop and Shop scheme, which now requires drivers to register their free 30-minute stay through PayByPhone.
Ealing Conservatives criticised council’s Stop & Shop changes, warning phone registration for 30-minute free parking will disadvantage older and vulnerable residents and harm local shops, with impacts expected to be worse in Southall.
How to use PayPoint for Stop & Shop+ parking
PayPoint lets you register for your free 30-minute parking or pay for additional parking in person at participating stores.
You’ll need your vehicle registration number and the PayByPhone location code for the spot where you’re parking. The location code can be found on the signs at every parking bay across the borough.
To find your nearest PayPoint store, you can:
- view a map of all PayPoint stores
- text the word CASH to 60075 along with the PayByPhone location of where you are parked. You will receive a text with details of your two nearest PayPoint stores
- look out for stores bearing the PayPoint logo
If you need more time, you can now extend your stay for up to two hours at the standard hourly rate.
Why the change?
The old system had different time limits across the borough, causing confusion and, in some cases, misuse. Stop and Shop+ is designed to be simple, fair, and consistent, while allowing more residents to use the bays for quick visits.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: "Stop and shop+ not only gives residents and visitors more flexible parking options, but it also helps local businesses by making sure spaces are available for genuine shoppers."
"We know most people follow the rules, but a few staying too long can make it harder for others to park. We’re also encouraging people to walk or cycle for short trips where they can, freeing up spaces for those who really need them."
Find out more
Information about the scheme on the council’s website will include:
- the start date for that area
- and the 2-week grace period during which no fines will be issued
Please check the website before parking to ensure you are aware of the latest updates for that area.
When they come into effect, you should:- check parking restriction details on signs
- register your free 30-minute session via the PayByPhone app, phone, text or at a PayPoint store
- stay longer if needed – just pay the standard rate
To help everyone adjust, no fines will be issued during the first 2 weeks in every new location, from when the new signs are displayed.
Blue Badge holders remain exempt from these changes.
Your views
The council ran a 21-day statutory consultation to gather feedback from residents and businesses and also met with local Business Improvement Districts and the High Streets Task Force to discuss the proposed changes.
Of 791 consultation responses, 82% opposed the changes, while 81% of the 74 business respondents also objected.
Given that the vast majority opposed the proposals, including the business community, the council proceeded anyway, ignoring the clear message from residents. By doing so, Ealing Council failed to demonstrate that it listens and made a decision that does not reflect the community’s views.
The proposals affect 710 existing Stop and Shop parking areas (around 1,742 bays) across Ealing, converting them into Stop and Shop+ (343 locations), shared use bays (267 locations), and cashless parking bays (100 locations). Additionally, around 400 permit-only spaces will become shared use, allowing both permit holders and pay-by-phone users to park.
The changes aim to increase turnover, support local businesses, enable enforcement, and encourage active travel, all without altering the kerb or road layout.
The total implementation cost is £113,000, with expected revenue of £142,500 in 2025/26 and £305,000 in 2026/27
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