Motorists face more car parking charges on Lewis to help save the Outer Hebrides’ only traffic warden.
It had appeared to be the end of the road for Miranda Macdonald last year in her role as only traffic warden in the islands.
Miranda has patrolled the streets of Stornoway for many years.
Her future was thrown into doubt after Police Scotland decided to stop providing the service as part of national cost cutting.
Councils are instead expected to take over the service.
A temporary reprieve – due to end in March – saw Western Isles Council and the police splitting the costs at present. Councillors have now agreed to approach Police Scotland with a proposal to develop a permanent shared arrangement.
If the police authority refuses to share the costs, the council is willing to pay the full £25,000 to retain the traffic warden.
But the move may come at a price for motorists with parking charges in more parts of Stornoway town centre.
A transport committee report said: “The additional funding required over and above the current provision of £12K p.a. could be realised as additional income should the pay and display parking provision be extended into other areas of Stornoway town centre.”