An MP has launched a petition to “save free parking in Yarm” after council leaders agreed to end first-hour-free arrangements to save £800,000 a year.

Matt Vickers, Conservative MP for Stockton West, has added his voice to those of Conservative councillors in Yarm who called on Stockton Council to reconsider the parking plans. Among an array of cost-saving measures, the council’s cabinet has agreed to remove first hour free parking in Stockton and Yarm town centres, replacing it with a £1.50 charge for the first three hours in short stay car parks.

Along with higher long stay parking charges, the measures to come into force in February are expected to raise £800,000 per year in a programme which the council hopes will save £4.6m towards a £9m budget gap. The council’s leadership has defended the car parks measure, saying the new £1.50 charge was “great value for money” and competitive with other Teesside car parks.

Read more: First hour free car parking to end in Stockton and Yarm

Mr Vickers said he was working with businesses and residents to tackle the “reckless and out-of-touch proposals” which he said would harm Yarm’s High Street. He said: “These reckless proposals will hurt the very businesses that keep our high street alive. Local shops rely on the free parking to attract customers, and introducing charges will literally drive people away.”

He also criticised the council’s financial priorities, saying instead of scrapping free parking, the council should focus on its own finances: “Rather than raising council tax and charges on hard-working people or protecting £700,000 in councillor allowances, the council should be concentrating on finding solutions that do not negatively impact local residents. It is just outrageous that the council are continuing to target residents just when we need to be supporting our high street and not put extra barriers for visitors.”

He said he was urging residents to sign his petition to show the council the strength of opposition. He added: “This campaign isn’t just about free parking – it’s about protecting the future of our high street.”

In response, Councillor Clare Besford, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We recognise the importance of providing well-maintained parking facilities and car parks. The decision to set parking fees at £1.50 for the first three hours has been taken after careful consideration and is competitive with other car parks across the Tees Valley.

“£1.50 offers great value for money, especially for those wishing to make longer visits to the town centre making the most of the town’s shops, restaurants, businesses and facilities.”

At its last cabinet meeting, council leader and Labour group leader Cllr Bob Cook responded to the opposition: “Obviously nobody likes to put up charges but as you know we have a deficit, and we have to look at all ways to reduce that deficit over the next few years to ensure that we have a balanced budget. It’s difficult times and I think all councils are going through the same issue, looking at ways to increase revenue.”