Here’s how changes to Hartlepool’s free parking in Middleton Grange may affect you.

Parking costs in the town center will change beginning in June, affecting hundreds of shoppers.

Hartlepool Borough Council, which operates car parks at the town’s Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, is changing when it provides free parking to customers.

Free parking after 3 p.m. in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre’s Multi-storey, Underground, and East Side car parks will stop on Monday, June 1.
Starting June 1, free parking at these areas will be limited to 6 p.m.

Free Sunday and weekend parking during the month of December will also be discontinued in an effort to stimulate commerce for local companies and relieve the financial burden on customers.

In previous years, Hartlepool shoppers could benefit from free parking in the run-up to Christmas. According to a Hartlepool Borough Council spokeswoman, “The removal of free car parking promotions and the introduction of Sunday charges in the town centre are part of the Council’s 2026/27 budget, which was approved earlier this year.”

“The car parking service must generate additional income in the current fiscal year. These measures have been going through a legal process since the approval of the 2026/27 budget, and will be implemented on June 1.”

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