CHANGES to charging for parking in Elgin will come into force on Monday.
A reduction from £3 to £2 was approved by Moray councillors earlier this month.
From December, motorists will also benefit from a reduction in the charge for a monthly parking permit – from £75 to £60 with a further reduction to £45 if they choose to pay by direct debit.
The concession will apply to all pay-and-display car parks in Elgin with the exception of Lossie Green and Lossie Wynd where permits cost £20 per month or £5 per week. The weekly permits for these two car parks can be bought from car park ticket machines.
Direct debit application forms will be available from mid-November and it is anticipated the cut-price permits will be available from December.
Elgin BID will also be in contact with local businesses urging them to take advantage of the reduced permits.
Elgin City South Councillor Graham Leadbitter, who earlier called for the reduction in permit costs, said the move will benefit those who regularly park in the city centre.
“The introduction of this better scale of charges makes things clear and simple for shoppers and brings the four-hour charge down significantly. That will be good news in the run up to Christmas and puts Elgin on the same footing as Inverness.
“Hopefully that will be a strong encouragement for people to shop local in the run up to Christmas and help get our High Street in good health. Combined with the events being organised by Elgin BID it looks set to be an exciting festive period in the city,” he said.
