Free parking scheme trialled in North Shields

 

27-APR-09

Issued by: Jeanette Hedley

Motorists in North Shields are piloting a new pay and display parking scheme which offers up to one hour free parking.

North Tyneside Council has recently installed the new machine in Church Way, North Shields following discussions with the North Shields Chamber of Trade.

It offers all the parking management benefits of a metered parking facility but enables free parking for up to one hour per vehicle per day.

Where a driver intends to stay less than one hour then they key in their vehicle registration number into the machine and press the button for a ticket.

If they intend to stay longer than one hour then they key in their vehicle registration number and insert the appropriate charge to cover the additional period in excess of the hour.

Elected mayor, John Harrison said: "This is the first machine of its type to be installed in the area and offers potential benefits for many busy retail centres within the borough''.

"It clearly indicates that the Council is listening to the concerns expressed by the retailers".

Maggie Richardson of the North Shields Chamber of Trade added: "'We welcome this new initiative as it represents a positive step in supporting the businesses during this difficult economic time".

Surveys will be carried out over the next three months to determine users attitudes towards the new machine and the impact that the machine has on parking patterns and traffic movements in the area.

North Tyneside Council has a parking strategy which sets down general guidelines to using parking management as one way to manage traffic in its town centres.

It is always seeking new ways to support efficient traffic movement in town centres, to tackle road safety issues and to ensure that there are adequate spaces for shoppers visiting the town and supporting the local economy.

Individual schemes to meet the specific parking problems of town centres have included the granting of free car parking on two car park sites in Whitley Bay in July last year to support traders during the ongoing £64m regeneration programme.

All new parking meters are solar powered to limit the need to dig up roads and pavements during installation.

This also reduces the running costs of the machines to ensure value for money for council taxpayers.

If anyone wishes to comment on your experiences when using the new machine, then please write to Parking Control, Town Hall, Wallsend Tyne & Wear, NE28 7RR or e-mail parkingcontrol@northtyneside.gov.uk