New parking charges due to Whitley Bay despite public outcry
North Tyneside Council will impose charges at the Park Road car park
New parking charges are coming into force at a popular Whitley Bay car park despite a public outcry.
Following a controversial public consultation, North Tyneside Council will impose charges at the Park Road car park. However, it has officially dropped plans to introduce fees to park at the Playhouse, with proposals to start a £30 annual fee for an existing parking scheme also scrapped.
The proposed charges were as follows:
One hour: £1.20
Two hours: £2.40
Three hours: £3.60
All day: £4.80
A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “After carefully reviewing the consultation feedback, we have decided not to introduce a charge at The Playhouse Car Park, and the first Resident Parking Permit in shared-use zones will remain free. For Park Road Car Park, we considered all responses and have decided to go ahead with the charges we proposed. This reflects our approach as a listening council — taking residents’ views into account while managing parking effectively across the borough.”
Its decision comes after weeks of controversy with locals and businesses expressing concerns about the potential impacts to the local economy. The Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade launched a petition opposing the plans which gathered more than 3,000 signatures.
Scott Glazebrook, chair of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, stated when the plans were first announced that the introduction of parking fees “creates a physical and financial barrier to our high streets”.
The council defended the move on its rationale the charges will increase the turnover of spaces, improve access to local businesses, and encourage “fair and consistent” parking.
The council also also stated measures will remain in place to include blue badge exemptions and to make sure school pick-ups and drop-offs are not penalised.
Local Whitley Bay councillor John O’Shea said: “I am so pleased that the council has taken into account what local councillors have said and particularity what local residents said in regards to these measures.”
The Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade has been approached for further comment.