Car parks U- turn is a ‘ shambles’
Bosses must first get TROs
Blundering council chiefs have been forced into an embarassing U- turn over car parking charges.
South Ayrshire bosses have admitted it could be next APRIL before controversial new fees are now introduced.
A string of Traffic Regulation Orders ( TROs) needed for the scheme, which had been expected in time for this summer, are to be held up by red tape.
The lengthy process i n v o l v e s p u b l i c consultations before being considered by the council’s Regulatory Panel.
And the final locations and charges could now change as a result.
Critics have branded the development a “shambles”.
Tory opposition leader, Councillor Martin Dowey said: “Why it has taken since the March budget to realise these charges cannot be implemented is a sad indictment of where this council is.
“We’re talking about the very basics of how to run this county.
“Is it any wonder the public are fast losing all faith when those in power don’t appear to know their own rules?
“The only word for it is shambles.”
Five car parks under consultation for new charges are Blackburn Road in Ayr, Bellevue Road in Prestwick, and Troon’s South Beach, Walker Hall and Italian Gardens.
But without the proper consultation process, none of these charges are guaranteed to implemented.
Prestwick councillor and former council leader Hugh Hunter was opposed to the charges at Bellevue Road.
Last week, we told how Ayr town centre parking was set to increase by up to 70 per cent – a move which will go ahead as planned.
C o u n c i l l o r I a n Cochrane, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment, said: “The changes to our car parking charges – whether increases or new charges – were put forward as part of our Balancing the Budget consultation and were supported by more than half the people who responded.
“They not only provide an important source of income and reduce the savings we have to find, but help us better manage our parking facilities and ensure our towns can be enjoyed by as many people as possible – local residents and visitors alike.
“Where we already charge for parking – and have the necessary authority in place – it’s a very straightforward process to change the prices concerned.
“However, i t ’ s a lengthier and more involved process to put brand- new charges in place and we’ll be working on this for the selected car parks over the coming weeks and months.
“We know there’s a real strength of feeling about the proposals in some areas and the process we’ll follow will give people the chance to make their feelings known and I would encourage them to get involved at the appropriate time.
“Their input could mean the final locations and charges may change, and there’s already been some discussion around this.
“Given the timescales involved in doing all of this, it would be our intention to introduce the approved Traffic Regulation Orders and the related charges from April 2019.”
We’re talking about the very basics of how to run this county
Cllr Martin Dowey