The closure of Kirkcaldy’s Tesco supermarket is predicted to cost Fife Council £120,000 in car parking revenue.
The number of people using the once popular Postings car park, on the roof of Tesco, has plummeted since the store closed in April.
Fears have previously been expressed for the Postings’ future, with the Post Office due to move out soon and two key tenants considering whether to stay once their leases expire in the near future.
It has now been revealed the reduction in car parking will leave the council with a significant budget shortfall.
A local councillor is urging the local authority to take action in a bid to see the town centre car park full again, something which could ultimately help revitalise the High Street.
Neil Crooks, chairman of the council’s Kirkcaldy area committee, has asked officers to change the status of the town centre car park to allow people to stay there long term.
At the moment, drivers can only leave their vehicles for a maximum of three hours.
Changing it to all-day parking would allow it to be included in the half-price season-ticket scheme.
“It would be beneficial to the town centre, workers and shoppers,” said Mr Crooks.
“There would be people using that car park, so it would bring in some revenue for us as well.
“Without a doubt it will bring people back to the roof of Tesco and they will go down into the town centre.
“That can only be seen as positive for Kirkcaldy.”
Mr Crooks said he had been advised by the council’s transportation officers that it may take a legal process to change the car park’s status to long term.
“I’m told it will need an official Traffic Regulation Order, but I reckon it’s worth any hassle to bring people back to the High Street,” he said.
“People are currently parking somewhere if they work in the town centre and bring their car.
“If we can get long-term status for the Postings car park then workers and students can park there all day.”