Parking charge rises will hit businesses and cause traffic problems, claims Sunderland councillor

Sunderland Council have today announced charges in council car parks and on-street bays will rise by 10p per hour.

The all-day Sunday rate in multi storey car parks will also rise, by 50p to £2.

He said: “This news will not be welcomed by local businesses, who already face competition from the Metro Centre and Dalton Park where free parking is available, and from Newcastle city centre where free parking is offered after 5pm.

“I am also worried that increased prices in city centre car parks will have a knock-on impact on residential streets around the University, in Millfield and in Thornhill where residents are already besieged by people parking outside their homes to avoid pricey city centre parking charges.

He added: “Just weeks after local elections - during which no Labour candidate told people they would be hiking parking prices - ruling councillors have announced that from next month people will have to pay even more to park in Sunderland.

“When it comes to parking, Sunderland Council simply can’t go on like this."