Parking changes for Whickham
People using shops and services in the centre of Whickham are going to get the benefit of a free parking period.
The Whickham Shopping Precinct East car park sits on Rose Villa Lane, just behind the shops on Front Street, making it an ideal spot to park when picking up a prescription, dropping something at the Post Office or fetching a takeaway.
So now Gateshead Council is to allow people to park for free for 20 minutes.
This new initiative will mean Whickham is treated the same as an equivalent local centre in Low Fell, where a free 20 minute period is already available at Lowery's Lane Car Park.
As well as benefiting people using the shops, it is hoped the new ticket will cut the amount of illegal parking in the area, from drivers trying to avoid paying for their parking.
Councillor Leigh Kirton, cabinet member for economy and communications, said:
"The free parking period is intended to support short visits to the local centre, for those who need to drive.
"We want to ensure a consistent approach, while remaining balanced in supporting our sustainable transport objectives.
"We expect this initiative will increase the number of visitors to the shops and enhance the vitality of local businesses."
The parking charges for the car park, subject to Cabinet approval, for the new 26/27 financial year will be 50p per hour, with a maximum stay of four hours. Drivers will be able to park for 20 minutes free of charge, but must display a ticket, even if not intending to stay for the chargeable period.
People using shops and services in the centre of Whickham are going to get the benefit of a free parking period.
The Whickham Shopping Precinct East car park sits on Rose Villa Lane, just behind the shops on Front Street, making it an ideal spot to park when picking up a prescription, dropping something at the Post Office or fetching a takeaway.
So now Gateshead Council is to allow people to park for free for 20 minutes.
This new initiative will mean Whickham is treated the same as an equivalent local centre in Low Fell, where a free 20 minute period is already available at Lowery's Lane Car Park.
As well as benefiting people using the shops, it is hoped the new ticket will cut the amount of illegal parking in the area, from drivers trying to avoid paying for their parking.
Councillor Leigh Kirton, cabinet member for economy and communications, said:
"The free parking period is intended to support short visits to the local centre, for those who need to drive.
"We want to ensure a consistent approach, while remaining balanced in supporting our sustainable transport objectives.
"We expect this initiative will increase the number of visitors to the shops and enhance the vitality of local businesses."
The parking charges for the car park, subject to Cabinet approval, for the new 26/27 financial year will be 50p per hour, with a maximum stay of four hours. Drivers will be able to park for 20 minutes free of charge, but must display a ticket, even if not intending to stay for the chargeable period.
