First hour of town-centre parking stays free as council confirms new charges

Tue 10 Nov 2026 · Written for Visit South Shields from the sources below.

Checked 10 Nov 2026.

South Tyneside Council's cabinet approved this year's review of fees and charges on 4 November. Most of it is about council services such as school meals, garden waste and funerals, but two parts touch on a visit. (Shields Gazette, 9 Nov 2026: council price rises confirmed; checked 10 Nov 2026)

Parking

Parking changes are planned from April 2027, not now. The council says the first hour will stay free in South Shields town centre, while Jarrow and Hebburn town centres get two free hours before a charge applies. Resident and visitor parking permits will change too. (South Tyneside Council, 27 Oct 2026: annual review of fees and charges; checked 10 Nov 2026) (Shields Gazette, 9 Nov 2026: council price rises confirmed; checked 10 Nov 2026)

Neither source gives new prices for the seafront car parks, so our parking guide stays as it is for now. We'll update it once the council publishes the new tariffs.

Leisure

Leisure membership prices stay the same, but most pay-as-you-go and session charges at council leisure centres go up. Most of the approved changes start on 1 December 2026, with later dates for some services, including parking. (South Tyneside Council, 27 Oct 2026: annual review of fees and charges; checked 10 Nov 2026) (Shields Gazette, 9 Nov 2026: council price rises confirmed; checked 10 Nov 2026)

More: Parking guide and Getting here.