Parking charges are set to be introduced in car parks across this County Durham town from this Monday - here's a recap of everything you need to know.

Motorists who visit Seaham from next week will have to pay to park in certain areas of the town.

The new measures, which were voted through by Durham County Council in February, mean that seven car parks, many of which are by the seafront will now see charges introduced.

Pictures of the completed work across the town show the payment meters, double yellow lines and bays in car parks including Seaham Hall Beach.

Here's a reminder of everything you need to know about the charges before they come in.

When do they begin?

The charges across the seven car parks in Seaham will begin on April 15.

They were supposed to be introduced on April 1 but they were postponed by the council.

Which car parks will have the charges?

Seven car parks across the county, mostly in Seaham, will be subject to the charges.

They are:

  • Seaham Hall Beach 
  • Vane Tempest
  • Terrace Green
  • Seaham Marina
  • Dock Top
  • Noses Point 
  • Crimdon Beach 

See your interactive map here to find out exactly where the car parks are:

How much will I have to pay?

Motorists will have to pay either £1 per hour or £3 to park all day in the car parks.

None of the car parks in question have ever been subject to car parking charges and motorists have previously been able to park for free across the town.

Why were they introduced?

The council have said that they were introduced to bring the seaside town "in line" with others across the North East.

Mark Jackson, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: "The introduction of parking charges in six car parks on Seaham seafront will bring it into line with the rest of the car parks along the North East’s coast, where charges are already in place.

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"The charges, which will apply to all, will be £1 for up to one hour, or £3 to park all day. There will still be free car parking in numerous other car parks around Seaham town centre, all of which are a short walk from the seafront.

"Parking charges are widely used to control parking availability and support the commercial viability of town centres and attractions by increasing turnover of spaces in areas where there is high demand.

"They improve parking availability for residents and visitors, and in turn, increase the number of people coming into communities and spending money. They also help lower emissions and improve local air quality."