Parking on Marine Parade in Saltburn is to be improved to allow more cars to park during busy periods.
More than 100 extra spaces including six disabled bays will be created during the works which are expected to start towards the end of September.
This will be achieved by widening the road and repositioning the angles in which cars park on the seaward side of Marine Parade. The works will be done in a phased approach, so visitors can still park further along Marine Parade during this time.
This is a scheme which was recommended following an in-depth study of traffic and parking in the town. The study was delivered by WSP/Capita on behalf of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council last year and involved carrying out traffic counts and parking surveys throughout Saltburn as well as a public consultation to understand what the public consider to be the main issues with transportation in the town. More than 1,200 responses were received.
The Council has now published this study, which includes an independent assessment of the issues, as well as suggestions as to how these could be mitigated to best meet the needs of the community. It is important to acknowledge that in the current economic climate, not all of the recommendations can be delivered at this time. However, the Council recognises that it is still important to share the findings of the study and to provide an opportunity for participants to give feedback, should they wish.
Saltburn is a popular and much-loved beauty spot, similar to seaside towns like Whitby and Whitley Bay, and visitor numbers continue to grow year-on-year. Currently, all on-street parking is free and generally unrestricted for both residents and visitors, in terms of time limits on length of stay. This can cause inconvenience for the town’s residents and businesses, especially during the peak tourist season.
Within the consultation feedback, both Marine Parade and the ‘Jewel Streets’ were considered the most problematic in terms of parking. Therefore, the Council intends to consider a redesign of the Milton Street Junction. This will be as part of the works already planned for Marine Parade.
The Council also intends to introduce the 20mph speed limit along Marine Parade/adjoining streets and to consider lowering speed limits elsewhere in the town subject to technical assessments, public feedback, and the availability of funding. This will reduce vehicle speeds and will aid safe turn movements helping improve the flow of traffic.
The Council will continue discussions with Sustrans regarding a potential diversion of the National Cycle Network Route 1 along Milton Street.
The study produced by WSP/Capita is available to view online at:
https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/saltburn-transportation-masterplan
An exhibition displaying the findings will also be on display in Saltburn Library for the next few weeks. Comments or questions about the study can made either online or left at the exhibition during this period.
Once the Council has considered all the feedback received, a programme of improvements, based upon the study, will be prepared for specific schemes and will include further community consultation as needed.
Councillor Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at the Council, said:
“We want to thank all the residents who took part in this study. Their feedback was incredibly valuable which will hopefully pave the way for change for Saltburn’s parking issues, especially during peak season. By addressing some of these concerns, hopefully we will help improve the lives of those who live in the area as well as improve the experience for those who visit.
“The works on Marine Parade shouldn’t cause too much disruption, and we have purposefully scheduled the work outside of the school holidays to minimise impact. The improvements will be done gradually, so parking will still be available for our remaining sunny weekends.
“Saltburn is an incredible place, which is why it attracts so many people year on year. But we must do our best to strike a balance between meeting the needs of residents, businesses and tourists. We intend to continue working with the public as plans proceed and we will be writing to residents next week to keep them informed.”