NEW PARKING PLAN TO HELP TRADERS
Package to support shoppers, workers and visitors to Sunderland city centre
Drivers will be able to get free and discounted parking in Sunderland city centre from Monday as a new scheme launches to help boost business.
Parking at all council car parks and bays will be free after 3pm five days a week Monday to Friday, from Monday.
The package of new car parking offers for shoppers, workers and visitors to the city centre includes a new maximum £5 charge at the Sunniside multi-storey and £3.50 at the Civic Centre.
With cafes, restaurants and other outlets taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, offering 50% discounts to diners, and VAT cut on the hospitality industry in August, chiefs hope the added bonus of free or discounted parking will further encourage people into the city centre and help boost trade – supporting business and jobs.
Deputy council leader Michael Mordey, who is also the cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said the council and its partners are determined to support all businesses and encourage more city centre visits for shopping and leisure.
"There are city centre businesses that have suffered during the COVID-19 lockdown, and we want to give them a boost by making it easier for customers to visit,” he said.
"Parking has always been exceptionally good value and competitively priced in our city centre.
"Now, from this weekend, it is even better value with new daily rates allowing visitors to stay longer without needing to return to their vehicles at a set time.
"By parking and using the city centre you are supporting businesses and jobs, and helping create a more dynamic and vibrant Sunderland."
The Monday-to-Friday Free After 3pm applies to more than 2,000 city centre spaces.
Alan Patchett, Chair of Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), the partnership that works on more improvements to the city centre, said: "It's so important that people come back into the city centre to support our businesses, so these fantastic incentives around parking are very welcome.
"The expansion of the 'free after 3pm' scheme and the special deals will undoubtedly be very appealing to shoppers and visitors in general, allowing them to save money and continue to shop local, in a safe and socially distanced way."
The new daily rates sit alongside existing hourly tariffs, and customers will be able to use cash at pay and display machines or use Phone and Pay facilities.
A monthly parking permit option will also soon be available, offering more flexibility.
Each of the new offers are running for an initial 12-month period and being monitored and reviewed on their effectiveness.
Free After 3pm Five Days A Week applies to these car parks:
St Mary's multi storey (480 spaces); Sunniside multi-storey (653 spaces); Boughton Street car park (56 spaces); Nile Street car park (49 spaces); Civic Centre car park (630 spaces).
West Wear Street car park (40 spaces); Charles Street car park (28 spaces); Tatham Street car park (94 spaces); Gorse Road car park (54 spaces); High Street West car park (35 spaces); Livingstone Road car park (157 spaces).