Parking charges dropped in Sunderland to help key workers - 2,500 spaces available in city

The temporary changes aim to allow key workers to access their workplace and help people who need to pick up food and medication for vulnerable residents and themselves.

The free parking applies to all council multi-storey car parks and bay parking - nearly 2,500 spaces in total.

However, council bosses have warned that “inappropriate or inconsiderate parking” will not be tolerated and could lead to enforcement.

The city council’s Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Fiona Brown, said: “It is important that the council keeps all public areas as clear as possible in accordance with Government directions.

“Neither will we tolerate any threatening behaviour towards our staff who are trying to undertake their duties to try and retain order, good behaviour and a sense of normality at this very difficult time for everyone.

"As the public can now park for free, please respect others, act considerately, and remember your social distancing."

There are more than 1,500 council car parking spaces in the city centre, with nearly 500 spaces at St Mary's multi-storey and more than 650 at Sunniside.

In line with Government and public health guidelines, public toilets are closed until further notice.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport on the council, Coun Amy Wilson, also welcomed the move to introduce free parking.

"The city council continues to do as much as it can to support our residents and businesses,” she said.

“We are trusting members of the public to park appropriately and considerately in order that we can all access the services that are vital to us all in the current circumstances.

“It does not mean that drivers should disobey standard parking regulations or the Highway Code. Inappropriate or inconsiderate parking could still result in the need for enforcement action to be taken to protect services and other highways users."

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people must stay at home for three weeks in a bid to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

Exceptions include leaving the house for daily exercise, shopping for food and medicine, medical visits/ providing care or to travel to and from work.

Employees should only go to work where it is absolutely necessary and have been advised to work from home if possible.

On Tuesday, the number of confirmed UK deaths linked to coronavirus had reached 422.

This was the biggest daily jump since the first confirmed UK death on March 5.

For more information on Sunderland City Council’s response to coronavirus, visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17026/Coronavirus-information