Changes to ticketing at a Perth car park should result in motorists being able to spend more time “exploring, shopping or doing business” in the city centre, it has been claimed.
The new scheme to be introduced on Monday will see drivers being issued with a time-stamped ticket when they arrive at the South Inch car park.
This will then be used to calculate the amount due for parking when the driver returns to collect their car.
Council bosses state there are no changes to the current charging structure at the car park. This means Blue Badge holders will continue to be able to park for free and existing parking permits will be honoured.
The move follows concerns over ticketing at the car park expressed by some Perth businesses.
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said when remaining infrastructure works are completed, pay machines at the car park will also accept payment by card. In addition, the machines will be able to give out change.
The spokesman said: “The new system is a ticket-based, barrier system, with drivers collecting a ticket when entering the car park. Customers keep the ticket with them and are not required to display it in their car.
“When ready to leave, customers go to one of the new pay machines, insert their ticket and the amount due will appear on the screen. Methods of payment accepted from Monday are coins and notes. To exit the car park, simply drive up to the exit barriers and insert the ticket.
“The upgrade to the existing South Inch car park gives drivers the flexibility to spend more time exploring, shopping or doing business in Perth City without worrying about overstaying their parking time.
“The system also works for those with either a season ticket or a resident permit. Proximity cards are being issued to these drivers but if they haven’t received these yet they can drive up to the barrier and press the help button and inform the person that they have a permit. The new system also uses automatic number plate recognition to assist all users.”
From Monday, there will be a dedicated entrance and exit point at the car park.