NORTH Ayrshire Council is taking over parking enforcement duties from the police - with charges at some local car parks set to be introduced.

It will mean the return of council parking attendants to the streets who will ensure existing parking restrictions will be enforced to deter rogue drivers who might park illegally on the road.

Plans announced on Monday will see parking charges introduced at the following areas of Saltcoats: Chapelwell Street (behind the Bank of Scotland), Bradshaw Street, Windmill Street and Kirkgate.

Charges would be introduced Monday through Friday from 9am until 5pm. Weekend parking would remain free of charge in these areas.

The charges proposed for these areas are: an hour: £1.50; two hours £2; four hours: £3.50. All day parking will not be permitted.

However, free parking will be retained at the Braes and Union Street car parks 24/7.

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The decision to decriminalise parking and introduce a tariff for a small number of car parks was taken at a meeting of full council in September 2019.

The project was given lower priority while dealing with Covid-19 but is now ready to move back up a gear.

It is hoped that the introduction of these charges will clamp down on rogue parking, while ensuring a greater turnover of available spaces in short-stay car parks.

Overall, the charges will only affect around 20 per cent of the available spaces in Saltcoats, due to the increased number of spaces in the larger long stay facilities.

The move is also aimed to encourage more people to consider alternative forms of transport.

It is hoped this will help the council in their long term aim to reduce carbon footprint and meet national targets of reducing car mileage by 20 per cent by 2030.

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The council’s application to decriminalise parking enforcement is currently with the Scottish Government.

It is hoped that changes to the current parking arrangements could happen by spring or summer of 2023.

Councillor Scott Davidson, cabinet member for place, said: “Over the past few years, officers have considered how best these can be implemented to bring benefits to shoppers and businesses while also tackling rogue parking in our town centres.

“By introducing charges in a small number of key town centre car parks, it will hopefully ensure a greater turnover of parking, making it easier for people to park, which will be good for business.

"We hope that those who use all-day parking will take advantage of the nearby long-stay car parks which will remain free, allowing easier access for shoppers.”