I've spoken to lots of Shields people over the years and most said they shop in Jarrow & Hebburn or the Metro Centre where all car parking is free.
As I said Shields was a good place to shop years ago so what has changed ??????????
Ive just seen that the new parking charges in town for the 1st hour will be free (which is good) but every hour after that will be £1 per hour.

Down at the Sea front car parks, parking will be £1-60 per hour or £8 for all day.
What a good way to discourage visitors & kill off businesses
Maybe our new Reform Council will look into this.