Council turns to public over new parking plan
But idea to introduce extra charges is branded “stupid”
Ruling councillors have decided to put new parking charge proposals out for consultation.
Politicians sitting on the South Ayrshire Council leadership panel were presented with a parking strategy, which would see motorists pay for spaces on dozens of car parks and streets.
Ayr, Prestwick and Troon would see the fees introduced.
Officials are also considering whether to make changes to parking in Maybole and Girvan.
Opposition Conservative councillor Martin Dowey described it as a “stupid” idea.
It is understood parking would remain free between 9am and 11am under the proposal.
If approved the charges would last until 2024 and come into force in September next year.
The public will be asked to give their opinions on the idea.
Ayr would see drivers paying in car parks at the Citadel, Riverside
Place high flats, Mill Brae on Station Road, and Blackburn Esplanade seasonally on the beach.
Other Ayr car parks facing fees include Castlehill behind Morrisons, Queens Terrace Lane, Kings Court and Cromwell Road.
Current free spaces around County Buildings are also lined up for potential ticketing systems including Pavilion Road and PlacedeSaint- Germaine- En- Laye.
The spaces are heavily used by council employees.
Prestwick visitors would also be hit with proposed charges on the Main Street and in carparks at the swimming pool, Links Road, Bellevue, Grangemuir Road and the station.
It is proposed that drivers will have to buy parking tickets at nine Troon town centre streets.
They include West Portland Street, Portland Street, Barassie Street, Church Street and Templehill among others.
The town’s free car parks at South Beach, North Shore Road, Titchfield Road, the swimming
pool and Beach Road could also see wardens patrolling in the future.
The proposed cost to leave a vehicle on the streets and car parks would start at 50p for 30 minutes if approved.
Environment spokesman,
Councillor Ian Cochrane, said: “Providing parking which caters for businesses, residents, commuters and visitors is always a challenge, but this strategy gives us a clear and consistent way forward, as we continue to cope with growing
demand.
“It’s also crucial that we tackle climate change and champion low emissions, so the new strategy recognises the importance of sustainable forms of travel, such as walking and cycling.”