New ‘tourist’ parking permits are to be rolled out in Ayr after “widespread abuse” of the outdated system.
Residents have been selling permits to neighbours or workers commuting to the area, according to a council report. There are also cases of them being handed to family members, it is claimed.
Now officials are proposing a new virtual permit for holiday lets and hotel guests.
Under a new system, South Ayrshire Council would have a record of where the car is parked, how long for and the vehicle registration. Traffic wardens could pull up the details instantly while on patrol.
A council report said: “The existing bed and breakfast permit scheme is widely abused with permits given to cleaning staff and family members to avoid on-street restrictions.”
Much of the current Ayr residents' parking scheme hasn’t changed since 1971 and many permits cost 50p.The council report added: “In this electronic age an up to date properly enforceable scheme has to be rolled out.”
Officials say a “modern scheme” would be “cheaper to run and easier to enforce”.
It would cost £1.50 per permit for 24 hours for a single vehicle under the proposals.
Residents currently apply in person at the Wallace Tower in Ayr for permits.
Under the new process, hotel owners would set up an account to purchase guest permits.
The council currently makes £51,000 a year from permits.
The report was due to go before the most recent Leadership Panel meeting of South Ayrshire councillors. But it was continued until a later date.
The report added: “It has been recognised that the availability of on-street parking must be maximised to benefit Ayr’s parking needs for shoppers, visitors and manage the effects of commuter parking.”
