FREE parking for shoppers in Middlesbrough town centre will continue but will be offered in fewer car parks from today (MONDAY, APRIL 29).

Changes to the town’s popular town centre parking discounts come into force this week.

The scheme was launched as a trial in February 2013 and was extended before Christmas last year.

Last month Middlesbrough Council’s executive considered plans to continue the package of measures, which includes free parking for two hours in the main shopper car parks and all-day parking from £1.50.

Free parking for two hours will continue in Captain Cook Square car park, Buxton Street, Mima, Zetland, and Station Street car parks only.

All day parking fees in Zetland and Station Street will increase from £1 to £1.50, while in Captain Cook, Denmark Street and France Street all day will be reduced from £3.30 to £3.

Councillor Nicky Walker, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We know from the feedback we’ve had from businesses, employers and the public that this initiative is already a great success.

“We’re determined to continue to do everything we can to make Middlesbrough great value for shoppers, visitors and workers alike.

“To do that we’re extending the scheme, but partly as unfortunately there has been some abuse of the system within our long stay car parks used mainly by commuters, we’re making some minor changes to ensure it is sustainable.

“We are reducing charges across the majority of our long-stay spaces, and there will still be free car parking for shoppers within walking distance of the town centre.”