Opinions on Angus parking charges sought

Angus councillors have agreed to seek out residents’ views on the future of parking charges.

People will be asked to have their say and help shape the future of the controversial policy in a public consultation launching in November.

Many residents blamed the charges for damaging high street businesses across the county, sparking a grassroots protest movement against the changes.

Administration leaders, however, had maintained the income stream was essential to pay for public services.

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in, what will be by March 2021, a near year-long suspension in off-street parking charges.

A working group, including officials and councillors is conducting a “comprehensive review” of the policy.

This will include “a meaningful conversation with communities about free and paid-for parking”, an Angus Council spokeswoman said.

Commun i t ies convener Mark Salmond said: “A short time before the coronavirus outbreak, I reported on the significant income stream that off-street parking charges had provided. But this virus has proved to be a game- changer in so many ways.

“We bagged all of our off-street parking meters when lockdown was imposed. Realising then that the way ahead would be unpredictable, we made assurances that we would assess the impact the virus would have on our communities and our retailers.

“We are being given a chance to push the reset button on parking in Angus and fully establish how it can best serve our communities in the future.”