Parking rebels wins battle over North Ayrshire charges

Plans for controversial parking charges in North Ayrshire will not go ahead, after being blocked by councillors.

Local shopkeepers turned out at a council meeting yesterday, after organising petitions which had been signed by thousands of people warning the introduction of charges in nine council-run car parks could have a devastating effect on town centre business.

The plans would've seen fees introduced in Irvine, Kilwinning, Saltcoats, Largs and Brodick

The Labour group of councillors had announced they would oppose the plans and in a sometimes stormy meeting in Irvine councillors voted 17 for the amendment with 15 against and 1 abstention.

"Disgraceful"

Labour Councillor Nairn McDonald labled the proposals "disgraceful" telling the meeting:

"They're putting their livelihoods on the line to make their views heard. There are more signatures on every one of their petitions that any councillor in this chamber got in votes. And for that to be dismissed wholeheartedly is disgraceful."

"Are we voting for no charges? Because I will be able to look these people in the eye tomorrow and tell them I didn't close down their business and put their weans hungry at night"

'Offensive' language

The SNP's Marie Burns backed the introduction of charges - she asked Councillor McDonald to tone down his 'offensive' language in the chamber...

"We're being asked to use half a million pounds to avoid the introduction of parking charges, and Councillor McDonald refers to 'starving weans'. If we're talking of 'starving weans' I can think of much better uses of half million pounds."

The decision to introduce the scheme was originally taken in September 2019 but the implementation was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The council says the decision not to press ahead with charges means that there is an anticipated budget shortfall of more than £610,000.

However, council staff will be taking over parking enforcement duties from the police meaning there will be charges introduced for traffic misdemeanours, like parking in bus stops or on double yellow lines.

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