Moray Council has insisted that a shake-up of parking charges in Elgin will make visiting the town centre “easier”.
Revised fares across the car parks, which will require payment for the first time in some locations, will come into force tomorrow.
The controversial proposals were approved this year in an attempt to tackle long-standing concerns about space-blocking deterring shoppers from taking their vehicles to the town centre – while generating an extra £79,000 per year.
However, a petition organised by Elgin’s business improvement district opposing the overhaul was signed by more than 10,000 people due to fears increasing the cost for some car parks would add further pressure on firms.
A total of 25 new pay and display machines have now been installed in the council’s five car parks in Elgin ahead of the changes – which will accept card payments for the first time.
John Cowe, chairman of the authority’s economic development and infrastructure committee, said: “These new machines will make life much easier for those parking in Elgin.
“There will be no need for drivers to carry cash or fumble with change. Those who wish to pay with coins can continue to do so while others can make electronic payments.
“While we’re asking those who park at sites like Moray Street, or the top two levels of St Giles, to pay a bit more, we’ve slashed the cost of all-day parking to just £1 at Batchen Lane, which is central and can accommodate more than 200 cars.”
The cost of parking at Moray Street, Ladyhill Road, North Port and Northfield Terrace will increase from £2 to £3 for a four-hour stay. Meanwhile a new 50p rate for half-hour stays will also be introduced.
Charges will be introduced in Cooper Park, between 8am and noon, and at North College Street West while it will cost £2 to leave cars at the railway station for up to 10 hours.
Elgin City South councillor John Divers opposed the shake-up, believing it will not free up spaces in town centre streets.
He said: “When we agreed to draw up a strategy it was to look at everything, not just car park charges.
“There are issues with on-street parking on Reidhaven Street and Institution Road. Reducing Batchen Lane to £1 is a positive step but I don’t think it goes far enough to attract footfall to the town centre.”
