THE date from which free parking for two hours in all car parks run by Tameside Council will start has now been confirmed.
The new tariff will be on offer from Monday, June 9, before 6pm every day apart from Sunday.
The local authority hopes it will make it easier and more convenient for people to visit and shop in the borough’s town centres.
It was given the go-ahead by councillors last month and follows a review into the council’s car parking provision – led by Councillor Stephen Homer, the Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity.
Controversial hikes in charges in September 2023 sparked fury among car park users and traders, who complained that the increased rates – from £1 to £3.50 for three hours in some car parks – were putting people off shopping and led to a decline in footfall.
Bosses revealed that introducing the payless period will require more than £1 million of investment from the council, to cover lost revenue and support highway maintenance and improvement.
The authority is hopeful that this will be counterbalanced by town centre growth, aided by the new parking initiative.
What’s it changing to?
The new charges will be as follows:
Monday to Saturday
From 8am to 6pm: Up to two hours – free; Up to three hours – £1; Up to five hours – £2.
All day (to midnight/8am next day) – £4
Evening (from 6pm until midnight/8am next day) – £1
Sunday
All day (to midnight/8am next day) – £1
Short stay car parks are limited to a maximum three-hour stay, while pre-paid contract passes/season tickets can only be used in long stay car parks. Tariffs must also be paid while an electric vehicle is being charged.