New restrictions will come into force in an Aberdeenshire village next month as part of a drive to tackle parking problems.
Motorists will be granted a two-hour maximum stay in the centre of Oldmeldrum as the local authority tries to free-up spaces and boost its economy.
Aberdeenshire Council is introducing a new free-to-use parking system at the village’s Cowgate and its Square.
From Tuesday, people will be required to display a reusable parking disc distributed from local businesses granting them the stay.
If this is not observed or the two-hour restriction is breached, a penalty notice will be issued.
Business chiefs in Oldmeldrum say trade is being affected by people hogging parking spaces in the heart of the community.
The discs are available from Meldrum Cafe, Meldrum Pharmacy, Key Store, Berry’s, Envy Hair, the Paper Shoppe, Stewart and Watson, JG Ross, Daisy Roots and Presley and Co Butcher.
Chairman of the council’s Formartine area committee, Rob Merson, said: “The new system of parking for Oldmeldrum’s town centre is tailored to the needs of the town.
“While permanent meters can issue tickets for free periods of parking, the local community was keen to try the reusable discs as they involve local businesses.
“Furthermore, the Square is a protected conservation area and so the installation of meters would have required special planning permission.”
Vice-chairman of the committee, Paul Johnston, said: “The enclosed nature of Oldmeldrum town Square will suit the disc system very well – this is not a parking system that would necessarily work in all types of town.
“The system is easy to monitor, low cost and addresses the community’s needs.”
Parking in the Baker Street and Commercial Road car parks will remain as it is.