New car park charges have been introduced in Ayr with effect from Monday, May 23, and represent the first rise in charges for three years.

Said the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill: “There is a clear case for the increases which the Council is bringing in to be considered to be reasonable. Car parking charges are being raised for the first time since May 2002.

“In common with other services provided by the Council costs of maintenance of car parks, ticket machines, rates and staffing costs have all risen over the last three years.

“It would have been impractical to raise prices by inflation every year and to charge in pennies. After three years of holding prices, it must be considered quite reasonable to now increase in appropriate units of, or multiples of, 10p.

“The use of percentages when describing rises in charges which take in comparatively small amounts of money over three years is not helpful – and gives an exaggerated effect.”

Charges have changed as follows for Barns Crescent, Charlotte Street and Kyle Street.

Quarter Permit: £84 + VAT to £100 + VAT (up to £16 + VAT) (now £1.81 to park all day for each of 65 working days).

Annual Permit: £260 + VAT to £320 + VAT (up to £60 + VAT) (now £1.45 to park all day for each of 260 working days)

May 2005