Visitors 'not encouraged' to South Shields seafront after concern over reopening car parks

Council chiefs say they are aiming to ‘strike a balance’ and have moved to reassure residents and visitors after deciding to open barriers at the seafront.

South Tyneside Council began a rolling programme of reopening its foreshore car parks on Monday May 18 after the Government revised its guidance enabling people to travel further and exercise for longer.

Sunbathers and windbreaks could be seen on Sandhaven Beach today as temperatures rose into the 20s, as well as households out enjoying the sunny weather on the promenade while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

But with bank holiday weekend approaching, some are concerned about crowds gathering and visitors to the borough causing problems with social distancing.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “While there has been a partial relaxation of the rules around driving to places, restrictions are still very much in place. We have been clear that people should stay at home as much as possible.

“Like a number of local authorities across the country, we have reopened our car parks, and we know that this has raised some concerns among residents.

“We have a difficult balance to strike between accommodating people who choose to drive to the coast while supporting the needs of the local community.”

She added: “While we are not encouraging visitors to come to the borough at this time, the guidelines do say that people can travel for recreation and exercise for longer.

“This is down to individual choice and if they choose to go out, they are advised to walk, cycle or use their own car.

“Providing parking will help us to keep our roads clear for emergency vehicles while also addressing issues around visitors parking in residential areas.”

Councillor Atkinson said car parking services are being introduced on a phased-in basis, following thorough risk assessments to ensure they meet the government’s guidelines around social distancing.

Public toilets

Public toilets are also being reopened on a rolling programme with new measures and restrictions in place to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

The public toilets at Littlehaven and the walkway at Sandhaven reopened initially with new signage, two metre markers and attendants placed at each site, followed by the toilets in Queen Street, Jarrow Bus Station and the Grotto at Marsden.

Services are operating with reduced opening hours, from 10am to 5pm, and close every two hours for deep cleaning and sanitisation.

Public toilets in South Marine Park, the Amusements and Market Place will remain closed at this time with users encouraged to use other conveniences nearby.

Visitors are strongly urged to use the cashless PayByPhone method of payment wherever possible in order to pay for parking without using coins. Visitors are advised to download the PayByPhone app beforehand – registration takes less than 30 seconds.

What changes mean for daily life

The reopening of the car parks and public toilets follows the reinstatement of garden waste collections as well as the reopening of the Recycling Village where social distancing measures are being observed.

Councillor Atkinson added: “We are all working to see what the changes in government guidance means for daily life.

“As a council, we look at how it will impact on our ability to bring back the services that people rely on. This must be done safely and in line with the rules around social distancing.

“While we do not set the guidelines, we continue to urge people to stay at home as much as possible and only go out if their journey is essential. If they do need to go out, then they need to be take extra care. It is imperative that they keep two metres apart from anyone from outside their own household.

“People are also encouraged to continue following the advice of Public Health England around hygiene and handwashing. It is important that people do all they can to keep themselves and others safe as we protect our communities from this pandemic.”

Those who breach the Government’s social distancing rules risk a £100 fixed penalty notice from Police.

For further Public Health England advice and information about services affected by coronavirus visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/coronavirus

Details of Council car parks and PayByPhone are available on the Council’s website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/parking

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