Free parking continues during coronavirus lockdown

Newcastle City Council said it was extending free parking and its suspension to registering births.

Free parking was introduced to help key workers dealing with the crisis and the suspension of births was part of restrictions put in place to limit non-essential travel.

Last month (March) the council made all on-street and off-street parking spaces free to help key workers dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic.

The council said the current situation would remain unchanged and only be reviewed in line with Government guidance. It reminded motorists of the need to park considerately.

Free parking extended

Cabinet member for the Environment and Regulatory Services, Cllr Nick Kemp, said: “We are extending free parking whilst lockdown arrangements are in place, and this will be reviewed alongside Government guidance.

"Obviously, we will inform the public of any changes. This is all about supporting key workers across the city - that is why we are freeing up our entire estate of on-street and off-street parking spaces.  

 “I would like to add however that people should park appropriately and obey priority bus lanes or face getting a ticket. 

"Unless they are permitted to, they should not park on double yellow lines, in disabled bays or near junctions which could cause an accident especially with so many emergency vehicles on our roads.

 “I would also like to remind the public of the Government lockdown restrictions and only travel for essential reasons. Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Saves Lives.”

Births, deaths and marriages

Meanwhile the births, deaths and marriages services also announced the following:

• Birth registrations are suspended until further notice

• Please note that parents can make a claim for child benefit or universal credit without registering the birth

• We are not offering notice of marriage or civil partnership appointments until further notice

• Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies will not take place until further notice

• Citizenship ceremonies will not take place until further notice and the requirement to attend a ceremony within three months has been extended to six months by the Home Office

• The EU Settlement Scheme remains suspended

• Death and stillbirth registrations continue to take place over the phone until further notice

• The person registering a death should make a registration appointment by phoning 0191 2787878 and asking for registrars