Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they are providing to local councils on opening car parking facilities, particularly in tourist areas that might see large influxes of visitors as the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are eased.

In line with the Government’s position on localism, parking is the responsibility of local authorities and it is for them to determine what is appropriate in their own area. However, central government does have an interest in how car parks are managed and is working closely with local government stakeholders to keep parking policies and guidance under review during the COVID-19 response.

We have recently published guidance on Safer Public Places, which includes recommendations for the adaptation and management of urban centres and green spaces to facilitate social distancing.