Controversial proposals to introduce charges at three busy Aberdeen car parks could be approved next week.
But the city council could amend the scheme following a backlash from the community and local businesses.
The plans would mean that people would be charged £1 for a two-hour stay at car parks on Crombie Road in Torry, Dunmail Avenue in Cults and Station Road in Bucksburn.
This would help plug a £40,000 hole in the budget for the remainder of the financial year.
But officers have estimated that the system could generate a potential windfall of more than £100,000 for the city in future years.
However, council officers have now put forward an alternative option, which would mean free parking would be on offer for 30 minutes.
In a report to councillors, officers maintained this would mean the authority would lose out on £35,000 a year.
It follows 57 objections to the plans from local residents and businesses amid fears the charges would discourage people from shopping in the three areas.
Last night, Kenny Milne, owner of Milne and Sons Butchers in Bucksburn, said many of his customers used the Station Road site and were against the charges.
He added: “I don’t see there’s any need for these charges, some of the people that have come in have asked about getting half an hour free.
“The car park has not been maintained for years, most people who use it use it for shopping.
“The real fear for me is that if these charges are introduced in Bucksburn, Cults and Torry, it won’t be long before the whole city becomes pay for parking, and there’s less and less free parking available as it is.”
Last night, finance convener Willie Young responded that the city had been forced into making some “challenging decisions”.
He said: “We will take into account what local people have said and how they think it will affect things in their area.
“However, we also have to take into consideration that we are the lowest-funded council in Scotland and we have got to balance the books.”
Councillors will discuss the proposals at a meeting of the communities, housing and infrastructure committee on Thursday.