Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes that the Conservative backed popular festive parking initiative, “Free after Two” should be rolled out across Scotland.
If reintroduced and agreed upon by Perth and Kinross Council “Free after Two” will see a repeat of free parking after 2pm on each Thursday and Friday from November 28 until January 31. It will operate in the East and West Mill Streetcar park in Perth, the Speygate car park and Scott Street and Canal Streetmulti-storey car parks.
The initiative will also operate in town centre car parks in Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dunkeld and Pitlochry.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The “Free after Two” parking initiative has opened up town centres acrossPerth and Kinross for business over the festive season.
“Town and city centre retailers often feel disadvantaged by restrictive and expensive parking measures which drives motorists into the arms of internet retailers and out of town superstores.
“If town centres are to recover and attract new businesses they must be customer and car friendly.
“The “Free after Two” initiative should be rolled out across rural town centres in Scotland as a means for encouraging local shoppers to explore what is on their doorstep, rather than shopping further afield.”
“Furthermore it is positive to hear that Perth and Kinross council is considering introducing pay on exit car parks at the South Inch. This is a measure I have been advocating for a number of years as pay on exit car parks benefit retailers and cafés by giving shoppers more time in the city centre without the worry of ‘feeding the meter’.”