Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is to consider a car parking strategy which aims to improve car parking for residents, visitors and businesses across the borough.
The Council's cabinet will meet on Tuesday 9 March to consider a number of proposals that will guide the management of the Council's car parking between 2021 - 2024.
A number of the key proposals are well known issues to residents and have been drawn up to address the concerns. Some of the other proposals are new and will be subject to consultation with residents if agreed by Cabinet.
The overall strategy looks to support vital work to reduce carbon emissions in the borough by incentivising the use of electric vehicles.
Other key aims for the council are to make parking in and around retail centres as easy as possible, as well as introducing mobile parking apps and new cash-free ways of parking.
The council would also seek to have more coherent charging across car parks as some venues in the area have charges and other similar facilities do not.
The proposals being considered can be viewed within the cabinet papers. Work is already underway on some of the proposals whereas others are new schemes, which, if agreed, will be subject to public consultation.
The car parking strategy does not make any changes to the established arrangements for Christmas parking or Blue Badge parking.
Some of the proposals include:
Free parking for electric vehicles 12-month pilot
- The council will incentivise the use of electric vehicles by commencing a 12-month pilot, where free parking will be offered across all council car parks to those who use electric vehicles and other zero emission vehicles.
Review the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to better manage parking at Newton-under-Roseberry
- Newton-under Roseberry is a very popular spot for visitors. At busy periods, many people park on the main highway impacting upon residents and the flow of traffic. Additional restrictions would help to make the village safer.
- There is currently a parking charge levied on visitors at the nearby Guisborough Forest and Walkway, as well as the Roseberry Topping car park operated by North York Moors National Park. As an extremely popular visitor destination, it is proposed to introduce charges for the car park at Newton-under-Roseberry.
Consider introducing parking restrictions in Hutton Village
- Hutton Village Road is a popular place to park for people wishing to access Guisborough Woods. To ensure that the area remains safe, as well as assist with traffic flow in and out of the village, the implementation of parking restrictions which are enforceable will be considered.
To introduce Pay and Display car parking along Marine Parade in Saltburn alongside a resident-only parking zone.
- This is a highly sought-after location for car parking, in a prime tourist location. In line with other similar locations in the borough, such as Redcar Esplanade, it would be appropriate to introduce a fee to park. There is however a recognition that at peak times the demand for parking can impact on residents in the “Jewel Streets". To protect resident parking and that of their visitors it is proposed to introduce a free permit scheme, that would also allow parking on Marine Parade. The council would consult with residents to ensure they are not adversely affected by any resident permit scheme.
- Cabinet will also be considering schemes specific to Saltburn, including the introduction of a separate car park at the Pumping Station (opposite Cat Nab), extending Cat Nab car park and increasing capacity on Marine Parade. The proposals would see 194 extra car parking spaces across the three locations, including extra electric vehicle charging points and disabled bays.
Designate and publicise Majuba Road as a campervan-friendly car park for overnight use
- Redcar and Cleveland's attractions, especially coastal, attract a number of visitors by campervan throughout the year. Having designated locations where the caravans can park overnight is an attempt to add some structure to this parking. This may also require additional enforcement of motorhome/campervan parking in other areas of the borough.
Consider the implementation of time limited parking and improved signage at Windy Hill Lane, Marske
- This is the main car park in Marske centre for those wishing to access the retail offer, library, primary schools, and the football club. Introducing time limited parking would increase the turnover in the car park and enable more people to access the village's amenities.
Introducing car parking charges at Flatts Lane Country Park
- Flatts Lane Woodland and Country Park is a popular, well used spot in Greater Eston, attracting local visitors as well as those from further afield wishing to take in the site or visit Eston Nab and moor. The onsite offer closely mirrors the offer at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, it is therefore proposed that car parking charges are introduced at Flatts Lane to mirror the fees for Guisborough.
If approved, it is envisaged that some proposals could even be introduced ahead of summer this year, including enforceable restrictions introduced at Cowbar, as well as additional barriers and restrictions preventing overnight parking installed on the Stray, and improved visitor amenities in Majuba Car Park.
A spokesperson for Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Many of these proposals are based on feedback we have received from residents.
“Our borough is diverse and beautiful and home to many different types of businesses. We have popular coastal destinations such as Saltburn and Redcar which attract lots of local day trippers looking to enjoy time by the sea.
“Our aim is to ensure visitors and businesses have access to first class car parking, whilst protecting the interests of our residents. We also want to move with the times and make it easier for people to pay for parking and introduce electric vehicle charging points.
“This is just the start of the process. If Cabinet agree to proceed with the schemes, residents will be able to be involved in the consultation process to give their feedback on the new proposals."