A controversial car park operator’s image has been transformed from Scrooge to Santa after delivering an early present to Perth shoppers.
Smart Parking, which angeredmembers of the public fined aftermisunderstanding new ticketing arrangements at the Kinnoull Street car park, has extended an olive branch in the shape of free parking.
At the suggestion of The Courier, the company considered following the lead of Perth and Kinross Council in offering free parking in the run-up to Christmas and quickly agreed.
Announcing the move a SmartParking spokesman said: “As part of its commitment to support retailers and shoppers in Perth, Smart Parkingare delighted to announce they will be offering free parking during the busy Christmas period.
“Smart Parking have decided to do this to support an exciting initiative from Perth and Kinross Council.”
They continued: “Starting from Thursday, December 3, parking will be free from 2-10pm at Kinnoull Street on all Thursdays and Fridays leading up to Christmas.”
Murdo Fraser MSP, who has criticised the firm in the past, said: “This is as welcome as is it issurprising and I would like to commend Smart Parking on following thecouncil’s lead on discounted parking over Christmas.”
Liz Smith MSP also hoped it might herald a new era in the relationship between the company and the public.
Calling on Smart Parking to review their policies she said: “Hopefully the New Year will see more harmony with the company and local residents.”
MP Pete Wishart, who has crossed swords with the company on a number occasions, said; “This is an encouraging development from Smart Parking and I very much hope that this is a sign of a rapprochement with the people of Perth because, believe me, bridges do need to be built.
“It cannot be very comfortablefor them when there is so muchunhappiness about their operations and so many complaints about how they have been conducting their business.
“If they are in a conciliatory frame of mind perhaps they will now start to look properly at the many outstanding fines that have been levied unfairly onmany users of their car parks and the almost preposterous levels those fines are levied at.
“I also still hope to speak to them about their operations in our city and my door remains open to see if there is an opportunity to address the many still outstanding issues.”
Under the council scheme, which is already in operation and runs until January 29, parking in the council-run sites in Perth, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dunkeld and Pitlochry will not be charged after from 2pm on Thursdays and Fridays.