Free afternoon parking will return to Guisborough this Christmas, following a decision by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to reintroduce the scheme for December 2025.
From Monday 1 December to Wednesday 31 December, parking will be free after 1pm in selected town centre car parks, helping residents and visitors support local shops and businesses during the busiest time of the year. The existing one-hour free morning parking will also remain in place.
The return of the scheme follows campaigning in 2024, when Luke Myer MP and Guisborough Labour Cllrs Bill Suthers & Lisa Robson pressed the council to introduce free Christmas parking to boost footfall and protect local traders. The measure was brought in last year and has now been reinstated for 2025 by the Labour-led council, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting Guisborough’s high street.
The scheme has been confirmed by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Cllr Carl Quartermain, and will apply to key car parks including Church Square, Reid Terrace, Fountain Street East and West, and Patten Lane.
Free parking had previously existed across the Tees Valley, funded through TVCA funding which the Tees Valley Mayor had timed to end around the May 2023 local elections. When this funding was withdrawn, councils like Redcar & Cleveland had to choose to step up despite significant financial pressures.
Luke Myer MP said:
“Last year, people in Guisborough were clear that free Christmas parking would make a real difference to the town centre, and it was good to see that delivered. I’m pleased it’s now back again for 2025. This is a practical step that supports local businesses, encourages people to shop locally, and helps keep Guisborough’s high street busy at Christmas.”
Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Carl Quartermain, said:
“We are delighted to bring back this free parking scheme to make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the festive season. Local shops and businesses are the heart of our towns, and this is a simple way to support them while getting your Christmas shopping done. We encourage everyone to explore our fantastic independent retailers and make this festive season a celebration of buying local.”