Data from Freedom of Information requests reveals that Tynemouth accounts for six of the ten most heavily fined streets and areas in the North Tyneside Council area for parking since 2013. The popular coastal village’s Front Street has amassed the most fines, with over 19,000 penalty charge notices issued.
Top ten fined locations
The full list of the ten most fined streets and areas since 2013 is as follows:
- Front Street Tynemouth = 19,274 penalty charge notices
- Huntingdon Place Tynemouth = 4,453 penalty charge notices
- Grand Parade Tynemouth = 4,221 penalty charge notices
- High Street West Wallsend = 4,104 penalty charge notices
- Park View Whitley Bay = 4,071 penalty charge notices
- Church Way North Shields = 3,807 penalty charge notices
- Spa Access Tynemouth = 3,475 penalty charge notices
- Whitley Road Whitley Bay = 3,452 penalty charge notices
- Percy Park Road Tynemouth = 3,330 penalty charge notices
- Sea Banks Tynemouth = 2,935 penalty charge notices
Councillor cites confusion
Conservative Tynemouth councillor Lewis Bartoli said: “The issue is Tynemouth is becoming increasingly confusing for people wanting to park, because in some areas there are four different zones in the street, so it’s not always clear where you can or can’t park.
“A lot of it is just about the confusion; I have found residents don’t even know where they can or can’t park.”
Coun Bartoli continued: “It’s just got increasingly confusing, it needs to be simplified.”
Council plans review
A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “Tynemouth is one of the borough’s most popular destinations and experiences significant parking demand throughout the year, particularly during weekends, holidays and the summer season.
“All parking restrictions are signed and marked in accordance with the relevant regulations, and Penalty Charge Notices are only issued where a vehicle is found to be parked in contravention of those restrictions.
“We recognise that parking pressures in Tynemouth are complex and can affect residents, businesses and visitors in different ways. The Council is therefore in the early stages of commissioning an independent consultant to undertake an evidence-led review of parking management across the area.
“The review will look at how parking is currently being used, the pressures on different parts of Tynemouth and how well the existing arrangements are working. It will include surveys and engagement with local stakeholders, helping to provide a clear evidence base for any future decisions.”
