Recommendations to reinstate first hour free parking in Stockton and Yarm to go before Council's cabinet

Following further consultation with businesses, residents and visitors, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet is being recommended to reintroduce first hour free parking in Stockton and Yarm town centres.

The decision to remove the first free hour was taken in October 2024 with the aim of balancing the need to cover the costs of maintaining and managing Council car parks with ensuring the Borough's town centres remain appealing to shoppers and visitors.

Before the charges were implemented in February 2025 a commitment was made by the Council's Cabinet to review the impact of this change and, following early concerns raised by residents and businesses, the review was brought forward.

The response to that review has been significant, with over 5,000 submissions, making it one of the largest consultations conducted in recent years by the Council.

While data shows an increase in footfall for the six-month period after the free hour was removed, against the same period from the previous year - an 8.5 per cent increase in Yarm and 3.7 per cent increase in Stockton - the consultation revealed a different public perception.

Most respondents said they now visit both town centres less frequently, and over 93 per cent of those who submitted their views believe footfall has been negatively affected.

The reintroduction of one-hour free parking was strongly supported by 72 per cent of respondents, with many comments highlighting that the removal of the free hour disproportionately affects those making short visits, such as collecting prescriptions or meeting for coffee. Additional feedback indicated that people were happy to pay for longer stays, but short ones should be free.

However, reintroducing the free hour will create financial pressures, as the original decision aimed to cover the costs of operating, maintaining, and enforcing car parks.

To mitigate these impacts, it is proposed to increase tariffs for subsequent hours.

The full recommendations for new car parking charges for Stockton and Yarm town centres for Monday to Saturday (9am to 5pm) from 1 February 2026 are:

• first hour free
• an increase in charges for subsequent hours (£2 for one to two hours, £3.50 for more than three hours)
• introduce £1.50 after 5pm charge for Wellington Square only

Even with these changes, the revised tariff structure is expected to result in a £550,000 annual shortfall compared to current income levels. This will need to be addressed as part of the February 2026 budget-setting, and may necessitate a move to a basic level of car parking service for maintenance, improvements, and enforcement.

Councillor Paul Rowling, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport, said: "We made a commitment to review the impact of the removal of the first free hour of car parking after a period of time. We have now listened to the views of businesses, residents and visitors alike and we appreciate their concerns about parking charges.

"While free parking reduces direct income to the Council, thriving town centres contribute indirectly through increased business rates and local economic growth.

"On this basis, it is proposed to reintroduce the first hour of free parking in Stockton and Yarm town centres.

"Reinstating the free hour is expected to boost the local economy by encouraging more visitors and supporting local businesses. It will reduce barriers for people who might otherwise avoid paid parking and make town centres more inclusive for residents and visitors who are financially constrained.

"We believe these proposals strike the best balance between financial sustainability and ensuring the Borough's town centres remain attractive and accessible.

"We'd also like to remind people that over the festive period until Saturday 31 January we are offering the first hour's parking free of charge in all Council-owned short stay car parks in Stockton and Yarm to support residents and businesses with their Christmas shopping and other town centre activities."

Further considerations being explored as part of the ongoing parking review include season ticket options, incentives, and arrangements for disabled parking and parent-and-child spaces.

Cabinet will consider the report and its recommendations when it meets on December 11.