An MP has welcomed a council pledge to introduce 20 minutes free parking on shopping streets around the borough.

The comments come after the Conservative administration of Harrow Borough Council announced in its budget it would introduce a 20-minutes free parking scheme.

People will be able to park for free across the whole borough after an upgrade of all parking machines over the next three to four months.

Responding to the news MP Bob Blackman said: “This is excellent news for local shopkeepers and shoppers all across Harrow.

“Congratulations must go to the new administration at Harrow Council for bringing this option forward in a careful and considered manner, ensuring a newly secure and usable system that will prevent abuses and doing so in a manner which is affordable.”