Businesses, residents and visitors are set for another boost this Christmas as free parking returns to North Tyneside.
Once again North Tyneside Council is supporting local traders and the borough’s economy by making on-street car parking free in town centres at weekends throughout December.
The aim is to encourage people to visit the town centres in North Shields, Wallsend and Whitley Bay, as well as Tynemouth Village, to do their Christmas shopping.
There are already hundreds of free spaces available in some council-managed car parks, and Priors Haven car park in Tynemouth.
But all next month motorists will be able to park for free, on streets where restrictions usually apply, at weekends in North Shields, Wallsend and Whitley Bay town centres, as well as Front Street in Tynemouth.
Click here for a map showing all the free on-street parking locations.
Phil Scott, Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure, North Tyneside Council, said: “We are committed to doing all we can to ensure the borough is a vibrant and attractive place to visit.
“There are already many great reasons to visit North Tyneside’s town and village centres this Christmas, such as our Winter Festival and Christmas lights displays.
“Providing free on-street parking at weekends throughout December is another great way to support our local businesses and the local economy in what is a really important time, ahead of Christmas.”
Scott Glazebrook, Owner of Hamiedog Menswear in Park View, Whitley Bay, said: “As a small independent business we are extremely pleased that the council is again offering free weekend parking this year.
“Christmas is our busiest period and whilst car parking is often a hot topic of conversation, by making things easier for shoppers to get about is going to be a big help not only for retailers like us but also for the many new coffee shops, bars and restaurants which have recently opened in the area.
“We're looking forward to another successful festive shopping month with local people taking advantage of the free parking and shopping local. It really does make a difference.”
On-street parking is already free on Sundays in the borough’s town centres. During December, this will be extended to Saturdays in town centres and to Saturdays and Sundays in Front Street, Tynemouth. Ticket machines will be temporarily suspended in the following locations:
North Shields
Back Howard Street, Bedford Street, Camden Street, Church Way, Howard Street, Little Bedford Street, Lovaine Place, Nile Street, Norfolk Street, Northumberland Place, Northumberland Square, Railway Terrace, Rudyerd Street, Russell Street, Sidney Street, Spring Terrace, Stephenson Street, Suez Street, Tyne Street, Union Street, West Percy Street.
Wallsend
Beech Grove, Chestnut Street, Elton Street East, Hawthorn Grove, Laburnum Avenue, Laurel Street, Woodbine Avenue.
Whitley Bay
Beach Avenue, Brook Street, Clifton Terrace, Coquet Avenue, Duchess Street, Duke Street, Fern Avenue, Holly Avenue, Laburnum Avenue, Jesmond Terrace, Marine Gardens, North Parade, Ocean View, Oxford Street, Park Avenue, Park Parade, Roxburgh Terrace, Station Road, Victoria Terrace.
Tynemouth
Front Street
The parking service is delivered on behalf of the council by its partner Capita.