Parking charges could return to South Lanarkshire streets from April.
On street parking and car parks managed by the council have been free since March 2020 following the UK-wide coronavirus lockdown.
However, proposals to be discussed by councillors next week could see them brought back alongside initiatives to encourage shoppers in Hamilton and East Kilbride.
A report due to go before the executive committee on Wednesday (March 10) by executive director for community and enterprise Michael McGlynn recommends reintroducing charging from April 1.
As part of the move, a "Free after 3pm" initiative in Duke Street, Hamilton, and a "One hour free" initiative for on and off street parking in The Village, East Kilbride, will also be introduced.
The move would also see payment app RingGo introduced at all of the council's existing charging locations.
Recommendations from transport infrastructure consultants SYSTRA have been reviewed by a parking management review group made up of councillors and officers who have brought forward the proposals.
A further review of parking in Lanark, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Strathaven, Blantyre, Larkhall, Biggar and Carluke is still to take place.
In his report, Mr McGlynn said: "There was detailed discussion relating to the Parking Demand Management Review and the consensus was that the outcome from the review had struck right the balance.
"It was noted that the Phase 1 Review was focused on Hamilton and perhaps a different solution was needed for The Village in East Kilbride.
"Notwithstanding the general acceptance of the review, members agreed that changes to the level of short stay charges should be investigated, and a reduction or perhaps abolition considered for specific periods, even if only on a trial basis in the first instance.
"Importantly, the group agreed with the principle of continuing parking charges in both Hamilton and East Kilbride Town Centres and East Kilbride Village to ensure an appropriate turnover of spaces.
"While the introduction of the cashless payment mobile system RingGo was welcomed, it was felt that some customers may not be able to take up this method of payment.
"It was clarified that RingGo would not replace payment by cash and cards but rather complement it."
Duke Street will also see the reintroduction of pay on foot where barriers prevent drivers leaving if they haven't paid but the high set up costs mean this won't be roll out elsewhere.
Instead, it is proposed that SLC, along with other local authorities and organisations lobby the Scottish Government to change the law to allow councils to use automatic number plate recognition cameras.
