North Tyneside Council is moving to address safety and environmental concerns at North Shields Fish Quay following a significant increase in overnight parking by large vehicles.
The concentration of oversized vehicles parking around Clifford Street for long periods has prompted concerns about health and safety, waste disposal, and vehicles encroaching on to the site of Clifford’s Fort — a Grade II* listed Scheduled Ancient Monument.
To resolve these issues while keeping the area accessible for trade and tourism, the Council is considering an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). This would introduce double yellow lines on the fort wall side of the road and two-hour limited waiting restrictions on the opposite side and in some of the adjacent surrounding streets.
The experimental approach would ensure parking remains available for customers of local restaurants, businesses, and visitors, rather than spaces being occupied for long periods by the same vehicles.
The Council would monitor the impact carefully before making any decisions on a longer-term solution.
John Sparkes, Director of Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
“The recent volume of large vehicles parking for extended periods and overnight is now causing genuine disruption. We have a duty to protect Clifford’s Fort and ensure the Quay remains clean, safe, and functional for the businesses and visitors who depend on it.
“By introducing these measures on an experimental basis, we can assess whether they help address the issues being experienced. Throughout the trial, we will actively engage with local stakeholders and businesses before considering whether any changes should be made permanent.”
In the meantime, the council is asking those currently parking in the area to be considerate of residents and businesses, to make use of the litter bins and public toilet facilities provided, and to keep vehicles off the scheduled monument site at Clifford's Fort. Alternative seafront locations for campervans and motorhomes are available across the borough.