Cashless payment parking meters may be introduced across Perth and Kinross.
The council is currently examining options for parking in the area and it has been confirmed moving towards the system is one option being considered.
Scottish Conservative councillor, Angus Forbes, convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s environment and infrastructure committee, stressed the local authority will not be rolling out contactless parking meters “overnight” but he feels it will inevitably happen in the next couple of years due to the pace of modern technology.
He said: “Contactless parking machines are already in use in other cities in Scotland and the UK. Given the increasing shift towards cashless payment methods in daily life, it would not be unreasonable for us as a council to very carefully consider them as a future aspiration, weighing the potential cost implications against the benefits of their use.”
Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, backed the proposal, saying the move is “something motorists have been crying out for” in Perth and Kinross.
He said: “If implemented, this move will be welcomed by motorists across Perth and Kinross.
“It’s good to see the council consider this technology. Scrabbling around to find spare change can put people off parking and contactless parking can consign this to history.
“Encouraging more people to shop in Perth is a big challenge but this move, alongside other measures, could help turn this around.”
Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said he would welcome any plans that make parking easier in Perth and Kinross.
“Perth and Kinross has long held a reputation as being a parking ‘blackspot’- something not helped by the number of rogue parking operators we have had in the area over the years,” he said.
“The local authority introduced contactless payment for parking when they refurbished Canal Street multi-storey car park and it seems to be well used and is convenient for those who don’t have the correct change.
“I hope that the local authority gives this serious consideration as I think it would bring Perth and Kinross into line with technology being rolled out in other towns and cities across the country.”
