Parking permits get positive reaction

Councillors have welcomed plans to introduce weekly and monthly parking permits in Argyll and Bute.

The changes were discussed at last week’s meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee.

Currently permits lasting for a year, or nine, six or three months, are made available in the area.

It is proposed that the addition of permits lasting one month or one week will be piloted in Oban, Lorn and the Isles for a year before being rolled out across the entire council area.

The proposals, which also include the ability to pay by direct debit, will now go before a full meeting of Argyll and Bute Council today (Thursday February 21).

Oban North and Lorn Councillor Elaine Robertson said: ‘I really welcome this paper.

‘The ability to pay weekly and monthly fits in for people who are visiting the area.

‘Paying by direct debit will also make it much easier and I have already had positive feedback on this proposal from tourism bodies in the town.’

Pippa Milne, the council’s executive director for development and infrastructure, said: ‘It is a good point. Drivers currently have the opportunity to pay by mobile phone or app with a scheme we currently operate called PaySmarti, which is available for daily charges.

‘It is something which we hope will get more uptake in the future.’

Ms Milne added: ‘These are being based on feedback we have had from committees and visitors on parking arrangements.

‘Most of these have come from the Oban area, where it was suggested we pilot the scheme. Should these plans be approved, they will be considered by the council as part of the budget process.’