Plans to introduce parking charges in Loftus have been dropped after concerns were raised by local residents, community leaders, and elected representatives.

11th March – Loftus

Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, confirmed the news following discussions with Redcar and Cleveland Council Leader Alec Brown and Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Carl Quartermain.

The initial proposals, brought forward through a cross-party Budget Task and Finish process, would have introduced charges in two key car parks in the town. However, after further consideration, the Council’s leadership confirmed the plans will now be shelved.

Luke Myer MP said:
“I want to thank everyone in Loftus who raised this issue and made their voices heard. When local people speak up, it is right that decision-makers listen. I raised the matter directly with the Council Leader and Cabinet Member, and I am really pleased they have now agreed to scrap the scheme. Parking charges of this kind would have risked damaging footfall and growth in a town that is working incredibly hard to build for the future.”

Council Leader Alec Brown said:
“After speaking with Loftus councillor Linda White and Luke Myer MP, and having a lengthy meeting with my lead member Cllr Carl Quartermain, we have made the decision not to proceed. The revenue the proposal would have created was simply not sufficient to justify the risk of reducing footfall in a small town like Loftus. We have listened, and we will not be implementing the proposals.”

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Image: Councillor Carl Quartermain and Councillor Linda White following confirmation that the car parks would not be subject to charges.