Hopes of a significant reduction in Perth’s parking charges appear to have been dashed by city chiefs.
A much-called for review is to be carried out in the coming months and it may yet overhaul the way people pay to park.
New technology could be used to enable people to pay by phone or by card, while pay-as-you leave systems may be introduced at large off-street car parks.
While such moves would be welcomed, it looks unlikely that lower prices will result from the review as Perth and Kinross Council believes charges are “competitive” with other shopping destinations.
That will disappoint businesses who have called for a major overhaul of parking limits and charges to stimulate visitor numbers and make a shopping visit to Perth a more attractive prospect.
Head of planning David Littlejohn said: “We agree that we need a review of parking charges and we are looking at introducing a number of things that people want such as pay on exit.
“I can’t say that it will result in reduced charges, however, as we think Perth prices are competitive with other places and we do need the parking income.”
