Aberdeen’s ruling council administration has been accused of making “an embarrassing u-turn” after putting the brakes on controversial plans to start charging for currently free car parks.
Proposals had been put forward to impose parking charges and time limits at car parks at Crombie Road in Torry, Dunmail Avenue in Cults and Station Road in Bucksburn.
Under the plans, motorists would need to pay £1 for a maximum two-hour stay during selected periods – injecting cash into a £35,000 black hole in the council’s budget.
But, after carrying out a second public consultation into the plans, councillors have now agreed to throw out the scheme.
Last night opposition councillors questioned where they will now be able to find the missing cash.
SNP finance spokesman Graham Dickson said the administration could make back the money from rescinding a 5% pay rise for councillors.
He said: “It was very clear when the budgets were being set that this would be detrimental to local businesses and shoppers – it’s why we strongly opposed it.
“The public has been totally opposed to introducing these charges so the administration is now left facing a black hole in their budget.
“While it was welcome they have taken public opinion onboard and made this climb down, it will now be for the administration to come forward to tell us where these extra funds will come from.”
The council received a total of 57 objections to the plan from residents and businesses amid fears the charges would discourage people from shopping in the three areas.
The decision not to push forward with the charges was made at the infrastructure committee last week, with convener Neil Cooney saying there was “no appetite” locally.
Last night city council finance convener Willie Young said the administration had to find £26million worth of savings during their budget consultations in February.
He said: “To go from £26million to £35,000 is pretty good really.
“We thought it was important to consult with the public on the parking charges, and they have told us they don’t want them.
“There is nothing for the public to worry about. We are on track to have an underspend this year so some of the money will come from there and other projects we put forward look likely to come in cheaper than we predicted.”
