Parking charges resume at Seaton Carew and car park reopens for first time since lockdown

Hartlepool Borough Council has reintroduced the seasonal pay and display parking from Friday, May 29.

Seaton’s coach and car park has also reopened to residents and visitors, although the council is continuing to appeal to visitors to stay away from the coast as much as possible while the town’s Covid-19 infection rate remains higher than many other parts of the country.

The resort's pay and display parking charges were suspended by the council several weeks ago in response to the coronavirus emergency.

People are being asked to make cashless payments wherever possible by using the online RingGo service on their mobile phones, although a limited number of ticket machines will be in operation for cash payments.

Seaton Carew's Newburn Bridge and Rocket House remain closed until further notice.

Ward councillor James Black (Putting Seaton First) said on Facebook: “A slow opening of car parks follows the reality that the North East of England including Hartlepool still continues to see one of the highest infection rates in the country.

“All other car parks in Seaton Carew are small in comparison to the Sandy (coach park) and therefore provide less chance of continued social distancing.

“The opening of the Sandy will allow for people to social distance upon arrival to Seaton Carew therefore obeying the government guidelines of keeping 2 metres apart.”

A number of on-street parking bays have been sealed off by the council following an increase in visitor numbers to help make social distancing easier.

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