Council denies banning Deliveroo from high street

A council has played down reports it has banned Deliveroo riders from its local high street following a dispute over parking.

It comes after The Telegraph revealed that Chris Hossack, the leader of Brentwood Borough Council, said that Deliveroo drivers were blocked from parking on the high street to prevent the area becoming a "big drive-thru".

When approached for comment by The Caterer, Hossack said: "Brentwood has an incredibly busy high street and we are working closely with Deliveroo to offer a pilot parking scheme off the main road.

"Deliveroo, or any other such company, is not banned from the high street. It is simply required to observe the parking regulations like everyone else or run the risk of its drivers getting tickets."

He added: "We have a great relationship with Deliveroo and we are working with them on innovative ways to solve the parking issues we have experienced. Its drivers are able to park for free in zones we have allocated specifically so they can pick up and deliver safely."

The pilot scheme will also provide Deliveroo riders with further guidance on where to park in the town centre.

A spokesperson for Deliveroo pointed out that parking on Brentwood high street is not permitted unless you drive a taxi, bus or display a valid disabled badge within set bays.

They said: "We've been working with Brentwood Council to create a pilot parking scheme for Deliveroo riders, granting them permission to park for free in permitted zones. This is positive news for riders, our partners and the local community and we have widespread support for the scheme."