Angus parking charge campaigners say a promised flood of summer visitors which failed to materialise has had a “horrendous” consequences for struggling businesses.
Opponents believe recent tweaks to the off-street charging system, imposed nine months ago, have made no discernible difference to trade.
Brechin businessman Bruce Robertson, an arch-critic of the charges which came in last November, said the “entrenched attitude” around the scheme was continuing to lead to empty public car parks across the district.
“They hoped there would be a flood of visitors filling the car parks to make up the shortfall and the reality is that has simply not happened – you just need to look at them to see that because it is as clear as day,” he said.
“The council had its best income in the period before Christmas and whatever they try now isn’t going to work. I don’t see any good coming out of parking meters and it this is continuing to do horrendous damage to our towns.
“People are as annoyed and frustrated now as they were on day one.”
Cash-accepting meters remain months away from being in place after the council said it is still not in a position to confirm an exact date for their installation.
Mr Robertson added: “The other obvious thing is that people who used to park in the car parks have now got into the habit of alternative arrangements, so even when these cash machines do come in there is not going to be a rush back.”
Senior council figures have repeatedly stressed the charges will remain in place.
Last month, councillors agreed to install 14 cash meters in a £43,000 move. Currently the machines only accept card payments.
All 40 Angus parking meters were also recently re-programmed to do away with the requirement for drivers to key in their registration number in an effort to simplify and speed up the payment process.
Six-month net income was around £160,000 and critics suggest it could take a decade for the scheme to break even.
The coin-operated meters are expected to be in place around October.
Kirriemuir garage owner Barrie Ewart, who led initial petition protests against the introduction of charges last November said: “I hear what the council are saying about changing the meters to cash but it’s too little, too late.
“There has been now irreversible damage done to the local high streets and community spirit which Angus Council are directly responsible for.
“Free parking is a valuable tool to encourage small town sustainability and Angus has lost that advantage through council greed and poor decision-making.”
A council spokesperson said: “Procurement of the meters and other associated supplies are ongoing.
“This is within the timescales and costs indicated at committee approval.
“Exact dates are being established and a go-live date will be shared in due course.”
