Darlington’s Parking Costs Are Increasing – How Will It Affect You?

Many factors impact local life - including ease and cost of parking

Pennies quickly add up to pounds.

Given the financial challenges we all face, even small increases can quickly add up. That’s why news of rising parking charges in Darlington has caught many people’s attention and is set to influence how people view the town centre for some time to come.

Parking in a town centre is becoming more expensive

The cost of parking is set to rise in Darlington town centre. The changes are set to be:

✔ First hour (short-stay car park): £1 → £1.20

✔ Long-stay car park cap: £5 per day / £20 weekly ticket

A council report relating to this increase said: “This proposal is not taken lightly but will support ongoing provision of car parking services, highway maintenance works and highway schemes across the borough. It is preferable to cutting discretionary services such as grass cutting, street cleaning, community safety and leisure provision."

Projections suggest the 2025 changes could generate £380,000 annually, earmarked for highway maintenance and roadway projects.

What happened when parking prices last changed?

This isn’t the first time parking charges in Darlington have sparked debate. Back in 2023, the removal of free parking was met with strong criticism.

However, after free parking was removed, there was an unexpected 8.2% footfall growth through Q4 2023-Q1 2024. There is also Tees Valley Travel data suggesting there was a 12% increase in park-and-ride usage since 2023, but it should also be stated cycling uptake remains stagnant at 3.8%.

Of course, there is a different psychology to switching between free and paid services, and price rises. Supporters and local councillors will cite the increase in footfall after the removal of free parking as an indicator the price increase won’t impact retailers, but this remains to be seen.

Pros and Cons of increasing parking fees for Darlington town centre

Potential Benefits

1. Increased Revenue for Local Services– Higher parking fees may help fund essential services, improving infrastructure, schools, and public amenities, which can enhance the desirability of the area for homebuyers.
2. Potential for Reduced Traffic Congestion– Increased costs may encourage more use of public transport or alternative travel methods, making the town center less congested, which can improve air quality and overall appeal for homebuyers.
3. Stronger Local Economy (if footfall remains stable)– Despite initial concerns, the council claims visitor numbers have increased. If businesses continue to thrive, it could create a more attractive environment for potential homebuyers and renters.
4. Stable or Rising Property Demand Near Public Transport Hubs– If parking costs deter car use, homes near train stations and bus routes may see increased demand, benefiting sellers in those areas.

Potential Drawbacks

1. Potential Negative Impact on Town Centre Businesses– If businesses struggle due to decreased footfall from higher parking fees, it could lead to more vacant shops, reducing the appeal of living nearby and possibly impacting property values.
2. Increased Cost of Living for Residents– Homeowners and tenants who rely on town center amenities may find regular parking fees an added financial burden, making the area less attractive for buyers looking at affordability.
3. Possible Decline in Demand for Central Housing– If fewer people visit or work in the town center due to higher parking costs, there may be less demand for housing nearby, impacting property values and the ability to sell at higher prices.
4. Could Parking Costs Deter Commuters and Investors– Higher parking costs could make Darlington less attractive to those who commute by car, possibly deterring property investors or buyers considering the area as a commuter town.
5. Will Nearby Residential Streets See More Congestion?– To avoid charges, more visitors may park in residential areas, causing congestion and potential dissatisfaction among homeowners, which could affect property values in certain locations.

Other Considerations

One of the biggest challenges with decisions like these is the wider impact they have. If public transport were more efficient, or if the Park & Ride system was fully reliable, fewer people would feel the need to drive into town. If public transport was in good working order or there was a reliable Park & Ride system in place, there would be less need for public transport.

Then again, with the number of “Blue Badge” holders in the UK rising (the most recent Government published figures state: “2.84 million Blue Badges were held in England, an increase of 10% compared to March 2023”), there is still going to be a need for convenient parking spaces in the town centre.

If there aren't enough suitable parking options, people will opt against going to the town centre, or may have to pay more to receive a service they should have received for free.

Is it best to wait and see?

At this point, it is best to adopt a wait and see approach. For some, this increase will not be an issue at all, or a slight inconvenience. However, it is for the workers, shoppers and businesses who operate in the town centre that will feel the impact. Their opinions will be the ones that matter when it comes to determining if this switch is a success or not.

At Anthony Jones Properties, we know the local housing market is about more than just homes. The local economy and the ease of getting around influence what people think, and where people want to stay.

Darlington is changing—could this impact your property plans? If you’d like expert insight on how the town centre’s evolution could affect buying, selling, or investing, we’d love to chat.

Contact Anthony Jones for all Darlington property matters

If you are looking for help with any matter of the Darlington property market, it is best to speak to property professionals. No one knows for sure what is going to happen next, so we won’t claim to have all the answers, but the Anthony Jones team is keen to help you as best we can. If you would like to contact us over housing matters, please call us today on 01325 776424.