New blue badge holder signs have been added to accessible car parking spaces at Teesside Park following a successful The Northern Echo intervention earlier this year.
Pictures taken this week show how new signs have been added outside the spaces, asking shoppers to register their vehicles at customer services if they want to stay over the four-hour time limit.
It comes less than two months after the popular complex came under fire for displaying misleading information on signs for blue badge holders.
The signs stated that there were “no concessions for disabled people” and that they had to adhere to the time limit or face a fine - but The Echo later revealed the complex was able to co-ordinate allowances for disabled people if they visited customer services.
Now, park bosses have not only added new messages on electronic signs asking blue badge holders to register to extend their stay, but new bright blue signs have been attached to lampposts around the Retail South car park.
They state: "If you need to stay longer than four hours, please bring proof of ID to the Hello building and register your vehicle. Alternatively, call 01642 056378."
The complex has also introduced a new option for customers to call in to share details of their blue badge and car registration number, instead of visiting customer services.
As previously reported, signs in the park outside accessible spaces stated that “failure to adhere to the terms and conditions will result in a £100 parking charge” - with no mention of allowances for blue badge holders like on the Teesside Park website.
The complex later announced it would be reviewing signs “across the site” - and added the new electric sign messages last month.
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News of the changes was praised by Angie Stewart, inclusion and engagement lead at charity Disability North, who said it was "fantastic" to see them brought in.
A spokesperson for the park previously said: “We want everyone who visits Teesside Park to have an enjoyable experience and work hard to ensure we offer an inclusive environment for everyone.
“We appreciate all customer feedback and, after listening to this and also taking advice from an independent disability and diversity consultancy, have updated the on-site signage and part of the process for our car parking system.”
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