North Ayrshire Council is set to scrap free parking at a number of short-stay car parks in Irvine, Kilwinning, Largs and Saltcoats.
Tariff fees of up to £3.50 will be implemented from next year in a bid to clamp down on 'rogue parking' and ensure more available spaces in short-stay car parks.
The Irvine car parks that will be affected are Kirkgate, West Road and East Road.
The Kilwinning short-stay parking areas affected are Almswall Road and Oxenward. However, long stay parking will continue to be free at nearby Woodwynd East and West.
Saltcoats' Chapelwell Street, Bradshaw Street, Windmill Street and Kirkgate will see fees apply. Meanwhile, free parking will be retained at The Braes and Union St car parks.
And Gateside Street in Largs will have parking fees applied seven days a week.
The proposed fees for up to an hour parking at these spaces is £1.50, two hours is £2 and £3.50 for the maximum stay of three hours.
Fees will be applied between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday but Saturday and Sunday will remain free of charge.
The council first made plans to introduce fees to the car parks in September 2019.
Councillor Scott Davidson, cabinet member for place, said: “The decision to not to push ahead with these proposals while our services coped with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic was the correct thing to do.
“Having been approved by a meeting of full council back in 2019, the proposals are now ready to move forward once again.
“Over the past few years, officers have considered how best these can be implemented to bring benefits to shoppers and businesses while also tackling rogue parking in our town centres.
“By introducing charges in a small number of key town centre car parks, it will hopefully ensure a greater turnover of parking, making it easier for people to park, which will be good for business. Our analysis shows that many of the town centre car park spaces are occupied by workers meaning they are occupied all day.
“We hope that those who use all-day parking will take advantage of the nearby long-stay car parks which will remain free, allowing easier access for shoppers and town centre visitors.”
In addition, existing parking restrictions will be enforced to deter rogue drivers who might park illegally on the road. This will mean the introduction of parking attendants to ensure no-one parks illegally.
And from 2023 the council will take over parking enforcement duties from the police.
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