CONTROVERSIAL parking charges have come into force today (Monday, April 28) in Yarm High Street to mixed reviews.

A protracted legal battle between Stockton Borough Council and Yarm Town Council delayed the start of charging in the town centre and the first day has been dogged by confusion over how the system works.

Parking is free for the first 60 minutes then £1 for the next two hours and £1 per hour after that, with no maximum stay.

However, many motorists were unsure how to claim their free hour of parking after they managed to easily find a free space.

Margaret Shepherd, who called into the town centre to use the bank, said: “It was much easier to find a parking space than usual but I wasn’t sure how the new parking system works. I knew I got a free hour but wasn’t sure whether I needed a ticket or not.

“The council staff were really helpful but the signs could have been easier to understand.”

Pensioner Brian Smallwood was equally as baffled by the signs.

He said: “I’m not sure what you have to do to get your free hour but it will be enough time for me to do what I have to do.”

Staff from Stockton Borough Council were in town throughout the day to assist motorists if they were having difficulty with the new system.

Geoff Holmes, who was shopping in the town, said: “The signs are not very clear and I wasn’t sure whether I needed a ticket or not. Hopefully, the next time I come into town it will be a lot easier to understand what you need to do.”

Councillor Mike Smith, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, accepted there had been some teething problems and said the council would make the necessary changes to the signs.

He said: “We realise pay and display is a big change and we have officers on the ground to offer help and support to people while they become familiar with the new arrangements.

“Our overall aim is to provide a range of parking options that balance the different parking needs of residents, businesses and visitors whilst managing congestion and ensuring the highways in Yarm remain safe.

“We have taken on board comments received from businesses, as well as visitors and shoppers today and will amend the signs to make them clearer.”

Parking charges will apply from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, but will not apply on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Motorists are being advised they only have to pay if they intend to park for longer than an hour and they do not need to get a ticket from the machine when they park.

Further information is available on the council’s website at www.stockton.gov.uk/yarmparking