New car parking proposals which would give 30 minutes free in Oban’s crowded town centre are currently being developed by Argyll and Bute Council.
The plan would see charging being introduced along Corran Esplanade between the war memorial and the cathedral and at Gallanach between Manor House and the sailing club.
Other proposals include two hours free parking at Ganavan, Longsdale and Lochavullin car parks.
The council will also create a free tarred car park at Mossfield, which local people will be encouraged to use when coming into the town centre for work in the morning.
Roddy McCuish, Lead Councillor for Oban Lorn and the Isles, said that introducing charges at on the stretches of road at Gallanach and Corran Esplanade would allow the council to provide 30 minutes free parking in the town centre.
He said: “We had a lot of representation about people having to pay a minimum of 80p in the town centre just to pick up a prescription or a newspaper. I think that giving 30 minutes free parking is a better way of doing it and will keep traffic moving.
“This is going out to consultation to the public. If we get positive feedback we will implement this as soon as possible. If there are objections we will try to address them.”
He added: “Oban contributes the most to the car parking revenue of the whole of Argyll and Bute. I am hopeful that the new council will make sure more of that money stays in Oban where it is generated.
Marri Malloy, chairwoman of Oban Community Council said:
“In general I think the proposals sound good.”
She added that she hoped the parking arrangements near the cathedral would allow for people attending church.
Mrs Malloy continued that the current parking situation in Oban is “dreadful” and called for a multi storey car park to be built in the town.
She said: “Something needs to be done as a priority.”
A council spokesman said: “The proposals for car parking in Oban include charging for some additional off-street car parking with the first two hours being free; some additional on-street parking charges; and for the first 30 minutes of parking in some streets in the centre of Oban to be free.
“Stage one and stage two of the consultation, with the emergency services, public utilities, councillors and other statutory consultees, is currently ongoing and will last until April 28.
“A three-week consultation with members of the public will take place in June.”
