Lewisham Council has given out 400 free temporary parking permits to key workers in the borough.  

Any key worker in Lewisham can avail of the offer during the coronavirus outbreak, including those working in health and social care, education and childcare, the justice system, religious staff, charity workers, those responsible for managing the deceased, and journalists. 

It also includes local and national Government workers, those involved in the production, processing, distribution, sale, and delivery of food, as well as pharmacists and those producing medicine.  

Police, the armed forces, national crime agency staff, border force security, and prison and probation staff are all key workers, as well as those working in transport, utilities, communications, and financial services.  

A council spokesperson said: “400 free temporary parking permits have been distributed to key organisations across Lewisham to enable key workers to park without the worry of receiving a penalty charge notice (PCN).  

“This includes emergency services (police, ambulance and fire brigade), NHS staff and volunteers helping with the COVID-19 crisis.” 

To apply for a permit go here.

It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock scrapped parking charges for NHS workers at hospitals and other medical facilities after a petition calling on the Government to do so passed 400,000 signatures.  

Social care staff and health service volunteers are included and are to be given free car parking with immediate effect for the duration of the Covid-19 outbreak. 

The Government will cover the cost, the Department for Health announced yesterday.