30 minutes of free parking is available through the Pop and Shop scheme.

The scheme allows motorists to claim one free 30 minute parking session per day in all council operated pay and display car parks and on-street pay and display bays across the county.

Pop and Shop is designed to make quick trips into town centres easier and more convenient, helping residents pop into shops, cafes and services while supporting local high streets and independent businesses.

By encouraging short visits, the scheme helps increase the turnover of parking spaces, bringing more customers into town centres and helping local businesses benefit from a steady flow of shoppers throughout the day.

Where you can use Pop and Shop

The scheme is available in:

• All Herefordshire Council operated pay and display car parks
• All on-street pay and display parking bays managed by the council

The free parking period can be used for short visits to any town centre location where council pay and display parking is available.

How Pop and Shop works

To claim your free parking:

1. Park in a council operated car park or on-street pay and display bay
2. Enter your vehicle registration number at the pay and display machine
3. Collect your ticket
4. Display the ticket clearly in your vehicle

The ticket will show your 30 minute free parking session.

Important information

• You must enter your vehicle registration number at the machine
• You must take and display a ticket, even when parking for free
• The scheme allows one free 30 minute session per vehicle per day
• If you wish to stay longer than 30 minutes, you must purchase additional parking time

The free session cannot be obtained via the JustPark app.

Parking machines and vehicle registration entry

Pay and display machines across council parking locations now include vehicle registration (VRM) keypads.

Drivers must enter their vehicle registration number when obtaining a ticket.

This system:

• Supports the Pop and Shop scheme
• Helps ensure the free parking offer is used fairly
• Improves parking management across the county

The process is simple and widely used in many towns and cities across the UK.

Supporting local businesses

Pop and Shop is designed to support Herefordshire’s town centres by encouraging quick and convenient visits.

Free short stay parking helps residents and visitors pop into shops, cafes and services, while the increased turnover of parking spaces means more people can access town centre parking throughout the day.

This helps bring a steady flow of customers into local high streets and supports independent businesses.

Frequently asked questions