FURTHER TALKS are to take place over controversial parking meters proposed for St Andrews in an attempt to find a more sympathetic solution for the historic town.

Councillors were asked by planning officials to approve installation of 31 solar- powered ticket machines—a reduction from the 38 previously intended—and refer the proposals to the Scottish Executive for a final decision.

However they decided to continue the matter for further discussion amid concerns about the visual impact of the machines on offer—they are just short of two metres tall and were compared to Daleks by one councillor—and the method of collection.

Introduction of the pay and display machines to replace the town’s unpopular parking voucher system has prompted a storm of protest.

The meters are the first phase of a parking plan which also proposes the creation of parking zones and remains the subject of public consultation.

Whilst Historic Scotland welcomed the reduction in the number of machines and the avoidance of some of the most sensitive machines, it remained opposed to the principle.

In a letter presented to the council’s east area development committee the organisation’s Kevin Tait said the parking meters would detract from the character of the conservation area.

He said similar meters were used in the Edinburgh World Heritage site but made a negative contribution.

He continued, “We accept some form of payment for parking is necessary...and reiterate the view that meters should only be considered once other systems have been explored and shown to be inappropriate.

“It would be instructive to examine solutions adopted at other historic towns, particularly those English towns or cathedral cities similar in size and importance to St Andrews, to assess their effectiveness and impact upon the character of the respective conservation areas.”

If other systems were deemed inappropriate, Historic Scotland suggested fewer and smaller meters be used, placed against walls, railings and buildings where appropriate.

It also emerged the machines on offer were only those available from one company, Metric, contracted by Fife Council to provide such equipment elsewhere in the region.

Committee chairwoman Councillor Frances Melville said her views were similar to those of Historic Scotland.

She proposed the issue be referred to the Scottish Executive but without the support of the committee on the grounds the meters were of an unacceptable design and were premature with consultation ongoing on the parking plan.

However the suggestion by Councillor Andrew Arbuckle to continue discussions found favour by eight votes to five.

Development services team leader Alistair Hamilton said, “If the matter is referred to the Executive they will consider the views of the committee but they will also consider the views of transportation service. They may well go against the committee.

“We are happy to facilitate further discussion between transportation services and Historic Scotland to determine whether there’s a suitable alternative machine which could be installed to meet all the aspirations of transportation services, Historic Scotland and the community.”