Councillor Neill Graham has slammed Renfrewshire Council for changes to parking charges in Paisley Town Centre.
The Scottish Conservative councillor – who represents the Paisley Northeast and Ralston ward – says the removal of the “Free for Three” scheme by the council shows how “out-of-touch” the administration is with local businesses. He has described the changes as “appalling”.
He says the scheme was an “overwhelming success” and “greatly encouraged” people to come into the town centre to support businesses in the area.
Only the first hour is free, the new on-street charging structure will be £4 for two hours, £5 for three hours and £6 for four hours. Four hours is the maximum stay, while off-street will be £3 for two hours, £4 for three hours, £5 for four hours and £8 for over four hours. According to the council, these fees will be in place from Monday to Saturday.
Neill Graham says the move is a “hammer blow” for businesses and has urged the council to scrap these plans and bring back the Free for Three Scheme.
Councillor Neill Graham said: “The removal of the Free for Three scheme is an appalling decision by the SNP-led Renfrewshire Council.
“The scheme was overwhelmingly successful and greatly encouraged local people and visitors to come into Paisley Town Centre and support struggling shops.
“Downgrading the plan to only having the first hour free shows how out-of-touch the SNP administration are with the concerns of local businesses.
“Frankly it is a hammer blow for them and I cannot understand why this popular scheme has been cut.
“I urge the SNP administration to think again and at the very least bring back free parking in Paisley for three hours and I will be pushing them to do so.”