Teachers in Kensington and Chelsea can park for free during lockdown

By Julia Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter

Hundreds of teachers who commute to work in Kensington and Chelsea can park for free during lockdown in the borough’s streets.

Kensington and Chelsea council is suspending parking charges in parking bays as schools continue working during lockdown.

It may mean some staff will drive to work instead of using public transport as people are urged to avoid it during busy times.

Josh Rendall, the councillor with responsibility for family and children’s services, said: “While a second lockdown is necessary, it will no doubt be causing pressure to school staff across the country.

“Through providing free parking to hard-working school staff, we hope those at Kensington and Chelsea’s schools will feel supported by the council and feel our appreciation and recognition of their work.”

The move was welcomed by Mariella Ardron, principal at Chelsea Academy, who said: “Over a third of Chelsea Academy staff will be taking advantage of this extended offer to park for free throughout the second lockdown. It’s been hugely reassuring to staff working at the school.”

Over half-term the council paid for free £15 meal vouchers for nearly 3,300 children who go to school in the borough.

The free parking move comes as the council reported that to date there have been 55 positive coronavirus cases at schools in the borough.

There have been more cases in secondary and independent schools, with more pupils than staff affected.

The council said these were “relatively small numbers” and it was interrogating the data.

The move to offer free parking is in addition to that offered to the 2,650 key NHS workers who are currently getting parking concessions.

It means that 242 NHS key workers and 127 school staff who were paying £15 a day to park in the borough will get free parking until the second national lockdown ends on  December 2.