Town centre free parking offer set to end

THE two-hour free parking offer in council-run town centre car parks is due to end in a few weeks.

Funding for the offer from Tees Valley Combined Authority has ended and there has been no provision made to continue it in the council’s budget, which was approved earlier this year.

From Monday 3 July, parking charges will once again apply in all council-run short-stay car parks and on-street parking bays. 

Parking will continue to be free after 6pm to support Darlington’s evening economy. 

Councillor Steve Harker, Leader of the Council, said: “I realise people will be disappointed at the end of the two-hour offer. However, the funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority has ended, and the cost has not been budgeted for in the financial plan, which was approved earlier in the year by the previous administration. 

“With the funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority ending, parking charges have also been reintroduced elsewhere in the Tees Valley. 

“To continue the free parking offer would cost the council up to an additional £1.7m per year in lost revenue. This is not accounted for in the council’s budget. The Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), set by the previous administration, includes overspending by £7.5m, on average, for the next four years. Continuing free parking would add to this overspending, and we would need to review the MTFP and reduce spending in other areas to make up the difference.” 

Drivers can find good value parking in the town centre – with offers ranging from 50p per half hour in some of our main shopping streets to £2 for all day parking in East Street car park, for those who want to stay a little longer.

The council has worked hard to support the town centre since the pandemic and will continue to do so – with a significant events programme, investment in free Wi-Fi, public realm improvements across the town centre, helping to appeal to new businesses and ensure the town centre remains an attractive and vibrant environment for all.