Elgin parking charges boost

THE reduction in parking charges in the centre of Elgin has encouraged shoppers to use the town centre car parks.

Before Christmas, Moray Council cut the cost of parking to £1 for two hours, compared to the previous £1 for just one hour.

That followed a plea by Elgin Business Improvement District (BID) to give the town centre a boost by making it more affordable for people to park for longer.

While Moray Council will re-examine the parking fee structure as part of its budget process, Elgin BID manager Jacqui Taylor has produced a follow-up report which suggests the revised charge has gone down well with local motorists.

She said: "Despite the short period of time since the parking charges have been reduced, it is clear that consumers are welcoming the reduction. The comments received indicate that people are staying longer in the city centre and thus spending more money in the city centre shops."

Mrs Taylor believes shopping habits will change if a more "acceptable and realistic" pricing structure is adopted.

It currently costs £2 to park for 2-4 hours and £3 for 4-10 hours. The Lossie Green is £1 for all day parking.

She claimed Moray Council had taken an initial step in recognising the need to look at parking charges but more must be done.

"Our town and city centres need support to survive," said Mrs Taylor, "faced with the continued on-going recession, increased unemployment and reduced consumer spend. These are factors, however, outwith the direct control of Moray Council. Car parking charges are not."

Read the full story in 'The Northern Scot'.