(Image: Sunderland Council)
Motorists visiting a North East city centre can park for longer at no extra cost under a scheme aimed at attracting more shoppers and visitors.
Sunderland City Council’s scheme gives drivers an extra free hour when they buy at least one hour at any council-run city-centre surface car park or on-street space.
Councillor Bill Blackett, cabinet member for environment, transport and enforcement, said: "Our city centre already has some of the lowest parking charges around and this is about getting the balance right.
"We continually review our parking charges and we want parking to work for residents and for businesses.
"Making it attractive and convenient for people to park in the city centre to shop, meet friends, have something to eat, all helps support businesses and the jobs they provide."
The scheme began on Monday, October 26, and has been welcomed by the Sunderland Business Investment District, which represents about 850 city-centre businesses.
Updated ticket machines and parking apps now support the scheme, which covers more than 500 surface spaces.
The main car parks covered are Station on Holmeside, with 194 spaces, Tatham Street (94), Gorse Road (54) and Nile Street (49).
Ms Appleby said: "Every time people choose to spend time in our city centre, they're making a real difference.
"Whether it's to shop, grabbing a coffee, enjoying a meal or attending an event, the support helps local businesses grow, it supports jobs and it keeps our city centre busy, vibrant and thriving.
"These choices all add up and have a genuine impact on the people and businesses that call Sunderland home.
"The more we spend locally, the more we strengthen businesses and services that make the city centre such an important part of everyday life here in Sunderland."
The council’s Free After 3 offer remains at Gorse Road, Charles Street, West Wear Street, Tatham Street, Nile Street and Station car parks, giving free parking after 3pm from Monday to Friday.
Hourly tariffs have risen by 20p, but the extra free hour means a two-hour stay now costs less at several locations.
Two hours on Burdon Road, which previously cost £3.20, will now cost £1.
Two hours at Gorse Road surface car park will cost £1.10.
Cllr Blackett said: "We’ll run the scheme for a year and keep it under review so we can see how well it works for residents, visitors, and businesses.
"Visitor numbers are up and rising across the city, we want to keep it like that, and this parking offer can help as a further incentive for residents and visitors."
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Blue Badge holders can still park free and without a time limit in the council’s city-centre car parks.
Parking permit charges will not rise for city-centre residents or businesses.
Sunderland City Council provides more than 1,300 city-centre parking spaces, alongside on- and off-street options.