A NEW one-hour parking rate is to be introduced at both long and short stay car parks in Redcar.

As of next month, motorists will pay 60p for a one-hour stay, and £1 for two hours' parking in the town's long-stay car parks.

Councillor Sylvia Szintai, lead councillor for environment and infrastructure, said: "We have listened to the public and the business community who have told us they want maximum flexibility.

"People want to be able to go to the nearest car park and buy the amount of time that suits them. I'd like visitors to Redcar to stay for at least two hours to make most use of the shops, places of entertainment and other businesses.

"However, we also recognise that some people just want a quick visit, and I'm sure the option of 60p for one hour will be very attractive to them."

Pat Denney, chairman of Redcar Business Association, said: "We welcome this decision which we believe will encourage residents and visitors to come into the town."

Earlier this week, The Northern Echo reported how Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council had been accused of "money grabbing" by people furious at plans to introduce a car parking scheme which would stop motorists handing over tickets to each other.

The council's policy and resources committee is expected to approve the new charges at its meeting on March 29.