Harrow Borough Council says it will continue work to promote school travel alternatives once free parking is removed from a car park.

The comments come after concerns were raised by St. John Fisher School, in Melrose Road, over proposals to remove the free hour parking at the Cambridge Road car park in North Harrow.

The car park, and the free hour parking, is used by parents in the mornings and afternoons to drop off and pick up their children from the school.

In response to the concerns Cllr Asad Omar, cabinet member for environment, said: “Harrow Council does not provide free parking for any schools in the borough.

“This car park was given the special concession in 2004 as a temporary measure after a nearby Safeway supermarket was closed and whilst the site was developed and refurbished.

“Now that the development has been finished and North Harrow is back on its feet with a significant reduction in shop vacancy rates and a thriving high street, this concession will now end, as previously agreed.

“Harrow Council is committed to promoting alternative more sustainable ways of travelling to schools, such as walking or cycling, to help ease traffic congestion and to help children and their families lead healthy lifestyles. This is an important part of all school travel plans.”