Calls have been made to extend a free parking trial in Elgin until after Christmas.
Moray Council is currently waiving charges at the town’s two multi-storey car parks every day from 3pm-6pm, in the hope of luring more shoppers to the area.
And although traders are finding it hard to gauge the success of the six-month scheme, many have already raised concerns about when it ends on December 8.
The pilot is in place for the car parks at Batchen Len and the St Giles Centre.
Val McRitchie, of Linda’s Wools & Needlecraft on South Street, said: “Anything is a bonus, but it is hard to tell what the customers think unless they specifically mention it.
“A lot of people want to get their shopping done first thing in the morning and get home and get away.
“They could do something bigger like have Saturday all-day free parking or something like that, or just make all the car parks free, then everyone is happy.”
Sylvia Ware, of Bee Crafty, said: “I think the free parking is a great idea for parents who have got appointments after school. It really benefits them.”
And Vic Flett, who runs the Sound and Vision music on the same street, added: “I have one customer who specifically said they wait until after 3pm to come now, so people are obviously using the it.
“It’s not like at 3pm, people are barging the door down, but it is hard to judge if numbers have increased.”
David Cairns, of Baggs of Elgin in the St Giles Centre, said: “I honestly couldn’t say we have been busier after 3pm, but December 8 is a horrendous time to stop the trial. That misses our Christmas rush. People absolutely will get caught out by that.”
Last night, Councillor Douglas Ross, who originally petitioned to extend the trial to all Elgin car parks, said: “I think we should be asking for other methods to encourage shoppers to come in and use the city centre of Elgin.
“I agree with the concerns that ending the trial at the beginning of December is not a good idea and extending it for one month until after the festive period makes perfect sense.”
He said he would be raising the matter at today’s economic development and infrastructure committee meeting, when members are given an update on the Elgin Charette project.
Elgin Business Improvement District (Bid) will provide a feedback report to the local authority at the end of the trial with comments from all the shopkeepers.