Papers reveal plans to increase parking charges

Motorists are to face an increase in parking charges in Perth and Kinross if a council proposal is backed next month.

A year after a new flat £1 fee per hour system was introduced in a trial for much of Perth, that could be on course to reach a £1.10 hourly rate, with a maximum fee of £8.80 at sites such as the recently revamped Canal Street multi-storey car park.

If approved at budget, the new set-up would be introduced from April 1. Papers published by the council this week show the proposed scheme of charges.

Long-stay parking such as at Riverside would be £4.40 for 10 hours – the same as at South Inch, although monthly permits would have a £5 difference between them.

In Crieff charges would be 60p for 30 minutes on-street or £1.10 for an hour, up 10, but up to £132 for annual residents’ permits. Parking in Blairgowrie would start at 90p, with a maximum charge of £4 for 10 hours. Similar fees would apply in Pitlochry and Blairgowrie.

In January 2016 Perth and Kinross rolled out the test scheme with enterprise and infrastructure convenor John Kellas hailing the simplified set up, which also saw the introduction of free parking for 15 minutes as part of the click and collect shopping culture. That provision is also on course to remain.

He said at the time:“The new charging system will run for a trial period throughout 2016 and I look forward to hearing feedback from visitors, residents and local businesses so that we can make sure that our parking system is fit for a 21st century city.”