Concerns grow over Darlington’s parking limits. Many seek a one-hour free parking. Half-hour limits hurt local businesses. Council made £300,000 in fines.
The council made almost £300,000 from fines last year. This came from a Northern Echo information request. David McKeague found paying unclear after parking changes. He thinks half an hour is not enough. He said an hour would be better.
His girlfriend’s lunch break is one hour long. Kathy Harding works in the town center. She finds fine enforcement confusing. She wants a full free hour for parking. She received a fine using the wrong payment.
Duke Street has different payment methods online. Lynn Bailey thinks the parking system is terrible. Shops suffer from removing free parking time. She thinks the prices prevent shopping.
David Cooper finds Darlington’s fees a bit high. Disabled parking should have better fees, he stated. He wants improved visitor experiences. Dave Binks sells artwork and thinks the system is terrible.
He got a fine near Nero Cafe. Parking changes harmed his business. People now visit Teesside Park for free parking. Some think new prices reduced congestion. Finding parking is now easier for some people.
Arif runs a stall and had a positive experience. He wishes there were more spots.
