Parking time limit to change
New rules could aid trade
Parking arrangements in Crieff town centre are set to improve, partly as a result of a sustained campaign by Crieff Success BID on behalf of local businesses.
Changes to car parking rules in Crieff were agreed by Perth and Kinross councillors at a recent meeting of the enterprise and infrastructure committee.
The move means an increase in free off-street parking at the King Street and Galvermore Street in the town, taking it up to three hours.
A recommendation was tabled encouraging elected members to set aside an objection which said extending the time limit would be detrimental for visitors.
The unnamed correspondent continued: “The view of only two shop owners does not reflect the majority view of the residents of Crieff.
“The two-hour period was agreed by the community and the council only a few years ago, to allow for a turnover of vehicles.
“Increasing the free time allowed will only encourage drivers to park long term which is likely to result in less parking space being available for visitors, defeating the purpose for which it is intended.”
The previous parking arrangements in Crieff were introduced following consultation with the local community and local elected members. Free on street parking was replaced by metered parking and the larger car parks, with some restrictions, were made free.
Following the approval of the new set- up, Crieff BID manager Neil Combe commented: “We have managed to get PKC to agree to much sought after changes to the car parking in Crieff.
“Free parking in the King Street car park will be increased to three hours from the current two-hour stay.
“Crieff will also enjoy the same first 15 minutes free parking arrangement that is available in Perth city centre.”
The changes will come into force as Perth and Kinross Council update the parking machines and signage over the next few weeks.
Neil continued: “Crieff Succeeds BID is all about promoting Crieff to new audiences across Scotland and putting our town and all it has to offer in the spotlight.
“The new parking changes will make it easier for residents to shop and eat out locally, as well as encouraging visitors to relax and spend more time enjoying Crieff.”
At the meeting itself – held on Wednesday last week in Perth – councillors Ann Cowan and Ann Gaunt welcomed the perceived boost for local traders.
In June last year, the Crieff BID team carried out a survey on the parking arrangement in the town at the time.
In less than a week, a total of 255 people had responded and two thirds of those who submitted their feedback said they shopped in Crieff less often since the meters were installed.