Two politicians are calling for an amendment to Harrow Borough Council's next budget to pay for 30 minutes' free parking.

Independent councillor James Bond and Liberal Democrat Chris Noyce are calling for the amendment ahead of this evening's full council meeting to discuss the budget.

Last month the Conservative group announced in its budget it would introduce 20 minutes' free parking in shopping streets across the borough.

Under the proposals of Cllr Bond and Cllr Noyce, 30 minutes' free parking would be introduced borough-wide on streets and also in council car parks.

Cllr Bond said: “The Conservatives plans for 20 minutes free parking on street do not, in my view, go anywhere near far enough.

“Why spend all this time, effort and money on something of a piecemeal approach when our council should be learning how to do it properly from our neighbours in the borough of Hillingdon who have a tried, tested and highly successful half an hour free parking option, both on and off-street.”

The money from the amendment would come from reallocating £400,000 on waste bins and £100,000 on publicity and support staff for Neighbourhood Champions in the Tory budget.

Cllr Noyce said: “We believe, most strongly, that our budget amendment contributes to the council’s desired fairer agenda and will be widely welcomed by shopkeepers and residents alike.”

The councillors say amendment has also be scrutinised by the authority’s corporate director of finance and takes into account the cost of consultation.

The council meeting will take place this evening where the Conservative administration will put forward its budget for the year ahead.

There will also be alternative budgets from the council's Labour group and the Independent Labour group.

The meeting will start at 7.30pm and will take place at Harrow Council Civic Centre, in Station Road.