N
orth Tyneside Council is making changes to parking permits that will benefit frequent visitors to the coast.
Foreshore parking permits, which allow holders to park in charged parking areas along the seafront (except Tynemouth Front Street), are being revised to give holders more flexibility.
Permits will no longer be assigned to a single vehicle so families, clubs and groups visiting the coast regularly can share a permit rather than buying one per vehicle.
And also, both six and 12-month permits will now be available to cater for seasonal visitors to the seaside.
The cost of a foreshore permit had remained unchanged at £50 for several years and is now being brought up to the same rate as other permits in North Tyneside at £250 per year
Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member responsible for Housing and Transport, said: “This permit still offers excellent value for money, with frequent visitors paying less than £5 per week for unlimited parking at our award-winning coastline.
“Although the charge is increasing, the old charge was disproportionately low compared to other parking permits in North Tyneside. This increase ensures permits are priced consistently across the borough, and helps towards the financial challenges faced by the council.
“The new features of the foreshore permit provide much greater flexibility to permit holders, especially the swimmers, dog walkers, clubs and groups that regularly visit our coast.”
Changes to the existing foreshore permit scheme were originally proposed as part of North Tyneside Council’s 2015/16 budget efficiency plans, through which the authority is required to achieve around £14m of savings.
In support of this, Full Council set a target of a £230,000 increase in revenue for the parking budget, to be raised from increased charges and continued enforcement activity for those who chose contravene parking and bus lane rules.
While these proposals included the removal of the foreshore parking permits, the council has listened to residents’ concerns and reintroduced the scheme at a charge of £250.
The new permits will come into force from Monday 18 January, 2016.