First hour parking free again
Parking is free once again for the first hour at a number of town centre car parks in Orkney.
They are:
- Albert Street Car Park, Kirkwall
- Castle Street Car Park, Kirkwall
- St Magnus Lane Car Park, Kirkwall
- Gunn’s Close Car Park, Kirkwall
- Ferry Inn Car Park, Stromness
In addition, charges after the first hour have been reduced from the summer prices – from 70p for two hours down to 50p.
The charge for up to three hours will remain at £1.50.
Orkney Islands Council head of roads and environmental services, Darren Richardson, said: “This is the third year we’ve offered first-hour free parking and, as ever, our aim is to support town centre businesses in Kirkwall and Stromness by encouraging more people to shop locally.”
Acting chairman of the Kirkwall Business Improvement District, Bill Stout, added: “Kirkwall BID is very enthusiastic about the October to May parking arrangements in the town.
“In previous years we have seen a very large uptake of the free parking when it is offered and it does make a big difference to the businesses in Kirkwall. It contributes to the aims of the BID to increase footfall in the town centre, to encourage folk to shop local, and to ‘Keep the Heart in Kirkwall’.”
Drivers are reminded that they still need to get a ticket from the machines for the free hour and display it on their windscreen – or risk a fine.
To get a ticket for the one hour free parking, simply press the green button on the ticket machines. If drivers aim to park for longer than an hour, coins will need to be inserted before pressing the button.
The new charges are in place until the end of May 2016.