This is when you will be able to park for free in Hartlepool town centre

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is to make parking free for up three hours in council-run car parks in each of the area’s five main town centres to support local shops.

The scheme launched in Darlington, Stockton and Yarm on Monday, January 11, and starts in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Guisborough from Monday, February 1.

Mayor Houchen said: “I’m delighted that we’ve able to get free parking introduced in Darlington, Stockton and Yarm so soon into the new year and I’d like to thank everyone for making it possible. And I’m pleased to be able to confirm that free parking will begin in the remaining areas in the coming weeks.

“Nobody likes paying for parking and it is one of the main reasons I constantly hear as to why people aren’t shopping in town centres.

"By making it free, we can increase the number of people visiting our high streets and therefore increase their spending, boost our economy and help support jobs."

Related story: Hartlepool Mail launches campaign urging town to help independent businesses with Support Local campaign

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has allocated funding for the free parking for two years.

Local councils will be compensated for the revenue they lose due to the scheme.

Mayor Houchen said it will make it easier and cheaper for people to access essential supplies and services during the latest lockdown.

He added it will also help people to support local businesses, which have been hit by the various coronavirus shutdowns, when restrictions allow them to reopen.

Mayor Houchen said: “It has been an incredibly sad sight to see shops and businesses closed in our high streets this year, and as we come out of the other side of the pandemic, we don’t want these to remain, so it is more important than ever before that we do everything we can to help them.

“Everyone still wants to see vibrant and thriving high streets that can flourish in the age of online shopping and making it easier, cheaper and more convenient to shop with local businesses by introducing free parking can make that happen.”

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