Updated 28th September 2024: RCBC reply
As the Christmas shopping period approaches, Guisborough’s traders and local businesses face an uncertain time due to potential parking charges that could deter shoppers. It is vital that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council ensures the introduction of one-hour free parking in Fountain Street car park is in place before this critical time for our high street.
With the festive season being the most important time of the year for many small businesses, parking charges could have a severe impact on footfall and, ultimately, on the local economy. Shoppers may be discouraged from visiting the town centre, especially with parking fees in place, at a time when we should be doing everything we can to support our local traders.
Luke has written to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to express his concerns about the situation. While the Council needs to issue a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to implement the one-hour free parking policy, which usually takes around three months, this timeline leaves us dangerously close to the Christmas shopping rush.
If the Council cannot move swiftly enough to have the TRO in place by December, Luke has urged them to take immediate alternative action to ensure that local businesses and shoppers are not penalised by parking fees. Guisborough’s businesses depend on this, and so does the community.
Here is the full letter Luke has sent to the Council:
Luke Myer MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
13th September 2024
Highways and Transport Department
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Redcar and Cleveland House
Kirkleatham Street
Redcar
TS10 1RT
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing with deep concern regarding the need to ensure that the planned one-hour free parking for Fountain Street car park in Guisborough is in place before the crucial Christmas shopping period begins. As you are aware, this is a critical time for local businesses, and the absence of free parking could significantly impact both traders and shoppers in the town.
While I recognise that a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is required to facilitate this change and that the process typically takes around three months, it is imperative that the Council takes all necessary steps to expedite this. Failing that, it is vital that alternative measures are implemented to prevent parking charges from deterring shoppers during this key period, which would unfairly penalise both consumers and local businesses.
I strongly urge you to ensure this matter is given the highest priority. Guisborough’s traders and the wider community depend on this support to help drive footfall during the festive season. If the TRO cannot be put in place in time, I ask the Council to take immediate action to provide a suitable interim solution to avoid any negative impact on the town’s economy.
I trust the Council will take the necessary steps to protect Guisborough’s high street and local businesses from suffering during this vital season.
Kind regards,
Luke Myer MP
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
28th September 2024
The council has replied providing an assurance that this will be in place before Christmas.
Dear Luke,
Please find below a response from our department. Please note I will do all in my power to ensure this scheme is up and running before the run up to Christmas and as stated below if not I will ensure a temporary alternative option is in place.
‘Thank you for your email of 13th September regarding the Guisborough one-hour free parking query from Luke Myer.
As you know the process for implementing the free element at Fountain Street is progressing and the consultation/objection period due to end imminently.
As you will appreciate, we are making every effort to implement the new charging element to enable residents and visitors access to the free offer, but we are also mindful that engaging the contractor to change the tariff on the existing machines, only for the same contractor to replace the machines a couple of weeks later – as this would not be financially responsible at this time.
It should be noted that there currently is a 2-hour free parking offer in Westgate as well as a large free car park at the rear of Morrisons, but should the replacement project be delayed we will discuss other temporary options if required.’
Councillor Carl Quartermain (Coatham Ward)
Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Luke will continue to work hard on behalf of Guisborough’s residents and businesses to ensure this issue is addressed as a priority. We must protect our local traders during this important time and prevent unnecessary barriers, like parking charges, from driving shoppers away.
If you’d like to stay up to date on Luke’s work and receive email updates, please sign up here: lukemyer.uk.