As members of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, business owners, visitors, tourists and residents of this beautiful seaside town, we are deeply concerned about the recent decision by North Tyneside Council to introduce parking charges at car parks that have always been free in the Whitley Bay area. We also urge the council to reconsider their parking permit policy for households and business owners, as these changes could have severe consequences on our local economy.

The Whitley Bay community has long benefited from free parking in some car parks - specifically Whitley Bay Playhouse and Park Road, which encourages visitors and supports the vibrant local businesses that are the heart of our area. Introducing charges at this time, when many small businesses are enduring financial difficulties due to rising costs, could be devastating. With restricted footfall, businesses could see a decline in both sales and customer loyalty, potentially leading to increased vacancies on high streets and affecting the livelihood of many individuals and families.

Currently, visitors from nearby areas and tourists enjoy a pleasant and accessible experience when visiting our shops and attractions without the worry of parking fees. By changing this, we risk losing a significant number of these visitors, which could result in lasting economic harm. Moreover, residents who rely on permits will face additional financial burdens, complicating their day-to-day lives.

For example, data from the Federation of Small Businesses shows that high street vacancies have been rising, indicating the struggles small businesses face. Adding additional challenges like increased parking costs could exacerbate this trend, further hurting our local economy.

In light of these concerns, we urge North Tyneside Council to reverse the decision to introduce parking charges and work collaboratively with the community to develop a more sustainable and supportive parking policy. Let’s foster an environment that encourages growth, sustains livelihoods, and maintains Whitley Bay as a thriving, welcoming destination.

We ask for your support in signing this petition to protect our local businesses and community from the adverse effects of these proposed changes. Together, we can make a difference and ensure Whitley Bay remains a place where both residents and visitors can enjoy and contribute to its prosperity.

The Statutory Notice by North Tyneside Council can be seen at https://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/statutory-notices/playhouse-and-park-road-car-parks-whitley-bay

We also urge you to lodge an official objection before 29 January by emailing democraticsupport@northtyneside.gov.uk.