Free summer parking at Metro car parks across Tyne and Wear has started – making travel cheaper for thousands of Metro passengers going to work or summer events.
Nexus has made all the Metro car parks it manages free of charge from Wednesday 18 July until 31 August – creating an extra 1,500 free parking spaces for the summer.
The offer means there is free parking for Sunderland Air Show and Olympic Football at St James’ Park, with extra trains running for both.
Cllr David Wood, chairman of the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority, said: “Free car parking at stations makes Metro better value than ever for making the most of summer, as well as making life easier for regular commuters.
“There’s many great events coming up, and when the sun comes out Metro will be the best way to enjoy the day.”
The major Metro park-and-ride sites at Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Regent Centre, Four Lane Ends, Northumberland Park and the Stadium of Light, which normally charge £1.60 a day, will be free from 18 July until 31 August – along with most smaller car parks which are already free.
The local authority-managed Metro car park at Kingston Park in Newcastle will also be free on Saturdays and Sundays. Felling and Heworth in Gateshead are not part of the free parking offer, and normal charges will apply at these throughout the summer.