Election Forum
Last week, I opened an“election forum” that was available to ALL candidates from ALL parties.
It’s already been agreed that, in the interests of fairness, this page will be suspended for five weeks running up to the May 5 election – not every candidate has his own newspaper column! But in the weeks left, I felt there had to be some measure of even-handedness.
So, who took up my offer of 100 words to explain a policy or position – this time on the issue of parking? But as Burns said,‘The man o’independent mind, he looks and laughs at a’that’.
First up is Prestwick ward independent Hugh Hunter who says,“I have long campaigned for free parking in Prestwick which is one of the town’s unique selling points. We have free parking at Bellevue Road close to the town centre and two hours free parking at B&M in the centre of town. We also have free parking at the Grangemuir Road and Links Road car parks although these do involve a short walk into town.
“A definite improvement would be to increase the parking time in surrounding residential streets from one hour to two hours. I can’t see any additional spaces due to a shortage of suitable land – we have to make the best of what we have got”. Girvan independent candidate Todor Radic jnr writes,”I would provide three hours of free parking in Council car parks with the use of a parking disc – for a one off payment of £2.”Chic Brodie, standing in Ayr East commented,“Nothing generates more heat and less light than parking in Ayr. Whether it’s how you pay for it, double parking or illegal parking – it’s all as clear as mud. Why? Because there is no coherent transport strategy as part of an economic development strategy.
“Why is Heathfield stowed out with parking creating shopping footfall while Ayr is a parking lottery? Oh, I remember – it’s free!”. My own view?
I’d have free parking for a whole year – just to see what difference it made to the local economy. The end could justify the means. During that year, I’d study the latest advances in disc-recognition technology. The science exists to badge South Ayrshire residents’cars with discs that would automatically open car park barriers. These could be available for a modest handling charge. Visitors and tourists would pay a separate tariff. *Next week is my final pre-election column – and I want everyone to have a say! I’m again inviting ALL candidates and ALL voters for an election contribution in 100 words or less. It could be a question, a suggestion or a general observation. I’m at“Election Forum”recordshields@aol.com