Drivers using a trial Richmondcard to get 30 minutes free parking will no longer be able to use it from next week and have been urged to register for a full card.

More motorists have been using the free cards to leave their cars in the street in the past two months, increasing from 1,999 in June to 8,940 in July.

Richmond Council said the 10,000 trial cards it handed out would stop working on Wednesday, August 31.

Drivers who register for a full Richmondcard will be able to park free for up to 30 minutes as many times as they like in the authority’s car parks and in on-street spaces. They will also be entitled to claim for a 10 per cent discount when they stay longer.

Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, deputy leader of Richmond Council, said: “The point is to help residents make quick stops at shops or offices they need to visit, which in turn helps local shops and businesses by making it easier and cheaper for customers to park.”

To register for a full Richmondcard, visit richmond.gov.uk/richmondcard or call 08456 122660.