Council starts consultation into Aberdeenshire parking charges

A consultation is under way to seek the views on fees and charges in pay and display car parks in the Mearns.

The current tariff structure in Aberdeenshire has not been changed in three years.

It was introduced to encourage economic activity in town centres and while the number of visits has increased, the council now loses a significant sum of money.

Officers have been seeking views on the possibility of removing free parking periods, increasing charges, changing the times fees are payable and the car parks where charges apply.

It costs the council to provide and maintain car parks across the area, including the employment of enforcement staff, upkeep and the payment of business rates.

Car parks now operate at a loss of around £140,000 a year and the council wants to get closer to a position where they cover their own costs.

Members of the public recently gave their opinions and now Aberdeenshire’s six area committees are being asked their views on a range of possible options.

Councillors are in a good position to say what the best solutions for their local towns are, while attempting to achieve a balanced car parking budget.

Their views will be considered by the council’s infrastructure services committee before it makes a final decision on any changes, which would then be applied from April 1 next year.

Meanwhile a change in legislation means parking meters in Aberdeenshire will no longer accept card payments.

Payments can be made with cash, by using the Ringgo smartphone app or by phone. Arbroath Legion staged the AGM of the town’s Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

A pop-up shop will open on the High Street on Monday and on Friday the guild will host a fundraiser at the Bell Rock restaurant.

Front: president Mo Morrison, left, and vicepresident Susan Ruark. Back, from left: treasurer Linda Durno, the Rev Dolly Purnell, Ian Ballantyne, chairman of the lifeboat management committee, secretary Jenny Mckay and speaker Wendy Glass.