Council agrees 'Free After 3' in the run-up to Christmas

MOTORISTS will be able to park for free in the late afternoon in a central Elgin multi-storey during the run-up to Christmas.

The 'Free After 3' initiative at the St Giles Centre car park was backed by Moray councillors this morning.

The decision was taken despite the scheme costing the authority an estimated £2500 in reduced income.

However, council bosses said income from car parks this year is better than anticipated, offsetting the financial impact.

The scheme – now in its fourth year – was due to run from November 30 to January 4. However, that has been moved forward a week to November 23 following a call from Councillor John Divers (Elgin City South), who said it should be in operation for the town's November 23 Christmas Lights Switch On event. He added that shops had reported taking on extra staff to deal with the surge in custom experienced after 3pm in previous years.

In earlier years, other central car parks were also included in the initiative.

However, a report to the authority's economic development and infrastructure services stated: "In line with the operation of the Free After 3 scheme in 2018, Batchen Lane multi-storey car park is not included in the scheme as the occupancy levels in the car park are very high.

"If committee recommends to implement the scheme for 2019 then based on occupancy figures, in line with last year, it is recommended that the scheme is promoted for the St Giles Centre multi-storey car park only."

The initiative was welcomed by committee members, including chairman Councillor Graham Leadbitter, who said: "The feedback that we get from businesses in the town is that it is positive and they report additional footfall and spend in their shops."

Councillor John Cowe (Heldon and Laich) added: "We need to do everything we possibly can to support local businesses, particularly around the High Streets."

Speaking after the meeting, transportation manager Nicola Moss said: "Free parking after 3pm will allow residents and visitors to make the most of Elgin’s wide range of shops, from independent boutiques to nationally-recognised stores.

"Whether they’re popping in for a couple of things, or blitzing the Christmas shopping, they can benefit from free parking in St Giles, which can accommodate up to 270 vehicles."

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