Cost to use Newcastle council-run car parks to increase

The cost for motorists using council-run car parks in Newcastle city centre will increase at the end of April. 

Eldon Square car park – Image credit – Alamy

Drivers will see the price to park at locations with an hourly rate increase by up to 30p per hour, and the cost of a day’s parking at some multi-storey car parks will increase by £1. 

The council said it made the decision with the aim of reducing congestion and air pollution, following the recent implementation of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city. 

Coun Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected and clean city at Newcastle City Council, said: “We review our parking charges on an annual basis so that we can manage demand for spaces and reduce congestion and pollution on our roads.

“These changes are aimed at managing demand and traffic flows, particularly around our busier city centre car parks that are within the Clean Air Zone, by encouraging people to switch to alternative modes of travel or choose less expensive car parks, which are outside of the CAZ, if parking for a full day. 

“This will support and contribute towards the improvements in our air quality that the CAZ is designed to achieve.”

Coun Byrne added that the cost to use council-run car parks in the city “compare favourably” with privately run parking locations. 

Eldon Garden, Grainger Town, Manors and Quayside multi-storey car parks have been chosen by the council to have their daily usage fees increased by £1. 

Newcastle City Council runs 170 car parks across the city and is expected to make an extra £1million per year as a result of the price hikes. 

The move to increase the cost of parking in the city comes days after the council announced £23m of budget cuts. As part of this announcement, the council rejected calls to reinstate free all-day parking in multi-storeys for drivers with blue badges, but continued its commitment to allow one free hour. 

In line with national legislation, blue badge holders will still be able to use on-street parking locations for free.