Trial of free city centre parking starts in Doncaster
Drivers will be able to park for free for one hour in most of the council’s city centre car parks
The City of Doncaster Council has confirmed the start of a free parking trial in the city centre.
Drivers will be able to park for free for one hour in most of the council’s city centre car parks from the week commencing June 8, 2026.
The trial, which will run to the end of March 2027, formed part of Reform UK’s budget amendment, which the party forced through with Conservative support in February 2026.
Doncaster Council said drivers will still need to place a ticket on their vehicle or use the RingGo App and select the one-hour preference.
The initial roll-out includes the seven council car parks:
Wood Street Car Park
Irish Club Car Park (College Road)
Markets Car Park
St Georges Car Park
Marshgate Car Parks
Church Way Car Park
Chamber Road Car Park
Car parks on Chappell Gate East and Wast will be included at a later date, the authority announced.
Councillor Howard Rimmer, leader of Reform UK Doncaster, said: “Reform UK Doncaster welcomes the council’s decision to introduce one hour free parking, a policy that Reform proposed in its alternative budget.
“This is a common-sense measure that will help local residents, support our high streets and encourage more people to shop locally.
“Reform UK will continue to lead the debate and champion practical solutions that put local people and businesses first.”
It is understood the trial was included in the amendment as a condition from the Doncaster Conservatives for them to support it.
Cllr Jane Cox, a long-serving Conservative councillors for Finningley, said: “This is a great start, Conservatives in Doncaster have been asking for this for many years. When this is a success the Mayor should consider extending the free parking to 2 hours.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “This trial initiative will be monitored and assessed over the course of this financial year. I encourage our residents to visit our city centre, support our local businesses and Doncaster Markets.
“Every time you shop on our high streets or visit Doncaster Markets, you’re supporting local jobs, independent traders, and our community. Fresh produce, quality products, bargains to be found and friendly faces – it’s all right here on our doorstep. Shop local, support Doncaster, and enable our high streets to thrive.”