HARLOW Council is removing unused and under occupied garages and hardstandings in council estates to create hundreds of new parking spaces.

Through its open parking programme, the council has already created 175 new residential open parking spaces across Harlow, with further spaces planned.

Work began on the programme at the end of last year with 88 new parking spaces created from hardstandings in Brenthall Towers, Church End, Shawbridge and Red Willow.

At the beginning of this year, 30 new parking spaces were created from old garages in Glebelands and Wharley Hook. A further 57 parking spaces have been created in Cooks Spinney, Hollyfield and The Readings. The number of new spaces will top 200 later this year with the creation of 44 more spaces in Guilfords and Quarry Spring.

A further 35 spaces will be created in Goldsmiths with spaces for commercial vehicles and EV charging. More spaces are also due to be created in Joyners Field and Tilbury Mead.

The council is now considering the next phase of the open parking programme with proposals including sites in Rundells, Rushes Mead and Milwards. The council is also preparing planning applications to create official parking on landscape areas across the town that are currently being used as unofficial parking areas.

Councillor David Carter, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:

“We are creating hundreds of new parking spaces in our housing estates by removing old garages and hardstandings as part of our mission to renew our neighbourhoods. Our programme is not only creating much-needed extra spaces for car owners but helping to alleviate congestion within our estates making it safer for all. This is just the start of our programme to create more residential parking across the town.”