City of London Corporation recommends keeping free Sunday parking after strong pressure from St Bride’s

Earlier in the summer we launched a campaign to prevent the proposed introduction of parking charges on Sundays by the City of London Corporation.

The Corporation has now published its report following the recent consultation and we are delighted to learn that they are recommending no change to current arrangements.

This means that free parking and unrestricted single yellow line use on Sundays should remain in place.

The report states that churches and their congregations were central to the evidence gathered.

With at least 25 churches holding services in the Square Mile each Sunday, the Corporation received 90 survey responses and submissions from thirteen churches outlining the negative impact that charges would have.

A petition organised by St Bride’s which gained 2,010 signatories was also presented during the consultation.

Churches and visitors highlighted several concerns:

1. The cultural, social and historic contribution churches make to the City.
2. The reliance many worshippers – particularly older people and families – have on driving to church on Sundays when public transport is so frequently disrupted.
3. The likelihood that charges, loss of single yellow line parking, and a four‑hour maximum stay would deter church attendance.
4. The resulting impact on donations, volunteer numbers, and the wider community value churches provide.
5. The risk that reduced attendance could threaten the long‑term viability of churches in the Square Mile.

Research by City officers concurred with many of these points: public transport is more disrupted on Sundays, with twice as many Underground line closures compared to Saturdays and later train start times; footfall and traffic are at their lowest levels of the week on Sundays.

Local residents and businesses also emphasised the importance of having one day when deliveries, DIY, visitors and other practical needs can be managed more easily.

The full committee report is available here.

We are grateful to the Committee members for listening to our concerns and arriving at this recommendation.

Our thanks also go to all of you who submitted responses and signed the St Bride’s petition. A good job, well done.