Motorists who "step off the site" of a County Durham seaside car park could face a hefty fine of up to £100 under new rules.

The landlord of the Featherbed Court car park in Seaham claims they have "reluctantly" had to impose new restrictions following new parking charges by Durham County Council along the seafront.

The small car park, now operated by Parking Group Ltd, serves local businesses including The Crows Nest pub, Sainsbury's local, Grill N Chill and EastShore Fisheries.

The Northern Echo: Featherbed Court car park, Seaham.Featherbed Court car park, Seaham. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

Customers will be monitored by CCTV and if they park in the car park then leave the site, they will be slapped with an £100 fine.

A sign warns motorists of the new charges stating "customer parking only".

It adds: "The driver of vehicle must remain on site throughout the entire period of parking - do not walk off site."

These latest restrictions come just a month after new charges were introduced in six car parks across Seaham in an effort to bring the town "in line" with others in the North East.

This left motorists to pay £3 to park all day or £1 per hour.

Operator Parking Group Ltd confirmed in a statement that the restrictions were put in place following Durham County Council's new restrictions.

The Northern Echo: Featherbed Court car park, Seaham.Featherbed Court car park, Seaham. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)


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A spokesperson said: "Featherbed Court has always been a private car park for staff and customers of the businesses there.

"The landlord/agent have reluctantly had to enforce this rule due to the restrictions placed by the local authority in the surrounding area.

"For the majority of people visiting the businesses at Featherbed Court, there will be no change but please refer to the signage for details."