'Free parking will help Hartlepool bounce back after lockdown,' says council leader

That is the view of Hartlepool Borough Council’s leader Councillor Shane Moore as the first day of the offer approaches.

Spaces in council-run town centre pay and display car parks in Hartlepool will be available free of charge starting from Monday, February 1.

Coun Moore said: “When free parking was agreed last year and scheduled for launch in early 2021, we had no idea we would be in a national lockdown.

“Whilst we would urge people to abide by the rules and stay home wherever possible, this initiative will still benefit people entitled to be outside their homes and who need to visit the town centre.

“And when the lockdown is eventually lifted and businesses begin to re-open, the free parking offer will have a key role to play in the town’s economic bounce back.”

The offer is part of a Tees Valley-wide initiative proposed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and agreed last year by the members of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Cabinet.

People will be able to park for free for up to three hours in Hartlepool Borough Council car parks within the boundaries of Victoria Road, York Road, Park Road and Stockton Street.

The car parks covered by the scheme are the Westside – behind York Road – Marks and Spencer/Wilko, Roker Street, Basement, Waldon Street, and the multi-storey, as well as the parking spaces adjacent to the King Johns Tavern.

Motorists will still be required to obtain a pay and display parking ticket from a machine – the machines will be calibrated to issue tickets free of charge for parking of up to three hours - in the car park they are using and display it within their vehicle in the usual way, otherwise they will be liable for a fixed penalty notice fine.

The free parking offer does not extend to permit-controlled parking bays.

The scheme launched in Darlington, Stockton and Yarm earlier this month and will also start in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Guisborough on the same day as Hartlepool’s.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has allocated funding for the free parking for two years and councils will be compensated for the revenue they lose due to the scheme.

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