Newcastle City Council has confirmed that overnight parking at the Grainger Town multi-storey car park will be axed following a trial, while the Dean Street car park will continue offering 24-hour weekend access. The decision comes after a six-month trial period from November to May revealed a significant disparity in usage and income between the two locations.
Trial Results Show Stark Contrast
The trial, launched last November, kept both car parks open through the night on Fridays and Saturdays to provide safer parking for night shift workers in city centre bars, clubs, and hotels. Instead of closing at midnight, the car parks remained open with extra charges of 50p per hour introduced between 7pm and midnight to fund overnight security patrols.
According to a council report, the Dean Street site generated a net profit of £7,777 during the trial, while Grainger Town ran at a loss of £3,532. The council deemed the loss at Grainger Town “unlikely to improve.”
Usage Data Highlights Differences
An average of 33 vehicles left the Dean Street car park between midnight and 6am during the trial, compared to just 14 at Grainger Town. The report stated: “The average number of vehicles leaving the car parks at weekends between the extended opening hours of midnight and 6am has been substantially lower at the Grainger Town MSCP in comparison to Dean Street MSCP, which demonstrates that usage of the Grainger Town MSCP during the trial has been limited, whilst Dean Street MSCP appears to be used on a more regular basis by a higher number of users.”
As a result, the council proposes ending the trial at Grainger Town and reverting to its previous hours, closing at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays with the chargeable period ending at 7pm.
Public Feedback Supports Extended Hours
Responses to a survey of car park users highlighted the importance of the extended hours. One user commented that the later hours were “essential for nightlife workers” who otherwise feared being mugged. Another said: “It is much better if you’re having a night out in town or staying at friends’ in town and being able to leave your car in a secure car park, and collect it the following day.”
The Grainger Town car park is expected to revert to its previous hours in September. The Dean Street car park will continue with 24-hour weekend access, funded by the 50p per hour surcharge between 7pm and midnight.
