Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for introduction of free parking in Stevenage town centre.

The petition, started by Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland, calls for the introduction of three hours free parking in the town centre.

Stevenage Borough Council currently generates £3 million a year from car parking charges which Mr McPartland claims is damaging the town’s economy.

He said: “I am calling on Stevenage Borough Council to apologise and move forward by introducing three hours free parking so more people can afford to shop locally. Stevenage is doing really well and we can get a refurbished town centre if Stevenage Borough Council stops ripping off local people. Please sign the petition and help us regenerate our town centre.”

The council say they have to save £3 million from their budget in the next three years and the charges generate valuable funds.

To sign the petition visit www.stephen-mcpartland.com/parkingcampaign.