Many motorists are avoiding parking charges by leaving their vehicles on residential streets around Stornoway town centre.
Last summer the council abolished free daytime parking in the Fisherman’s car park as well as in front of the Star Inn and at the Caledonian Hotel.
Now, some car users look a little further away for free parking.
But they clog up space outside other people’s homes such as on Keith Street, Francis Street and Church Street.
A council report says the “displacement of parking to these locations has had a negative impact for these residents.”
At the same time town centre residents who rely on the car parks “no doubt feel that they are being penalised.”
However, they can get evening and overnight parking to 8am for free, says the report.
A council panel decided against a request for a residents’ parking permit scheme from councillors Charlie Nicolson and Iain Macaulay.
A review highlights “current indications are positive” as the the charges are achieving the twin aims of raising extra cash for the council and encouraging an “increased turnover” of vehicles in the town centre providing regular and more convenient access for the general public to shops and businesses.
This contributes to the “economic and social wellbeing” of the town centre.