Annual Parking Report 2022 to 2023
Foreword
I was delighted that Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Car Parking Annual Report 2021 to 2022 was shortlisted for the annual PACER (Promoting Awareness of Civil Enforcement Reporting) Awards. I am proud of the work that has been undertaken to receive this national recognition.
The purpose of the Council's Annual Car Parking report is to summarise the parking and traffic enforcement activities conducted by the Council during the previous financial year, 2022 to 2023. The Council continues to operate parking enforcement under the Traffic Management Act 2004, ensuring parking services operates to support businesses, shoppers, residents and visitors to the Borough in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.
Parking facilities are vital for people coming to Stockton to work, study, visit and support economic growth. Parking controls assist in making our roads safe, minimising congestion and ensuring free-flowing traffic conditions without impacting on sustainable travel choices. All of which encourage people to visit Stockton more regularly whilst balancing the needs of businesses, residents, visitors and blue badge holders.
The visible presence of Civic Enforcement Officers (CEO's) is the primary means of achieving compliance with parking regulations. This report provides an overview of what, why and how parking services are undertaken in Stockton.
During the last financial year short stay parking through Tees Valley Combined Authority funding, has been provided free for up to 3 hours in Stockton and Yarm. This funding came to an end in February 2023 and we took the difficult decision to reinstate short stay parking charges at the end of this period. Parking charges have remained at the same relatively low level and there has not been an increase in the cost of parking for more than ten years which has supported a convenient way alongside public transport and active travel modes for people to visit and support our town centres.
If you have any questions or comments about the Annual Report or the Car Parking service in general please let us know by contacting us at carparking@stockton.gov.uk or visit our Car parking webpage.
Clare Gamble
Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport