Charges are to be introduced at two of Dalkeith’s car parks to encourage local people and visitors to shop in the town centre.
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Charges are to be introduced at two of Dalkeith's car parks to encourage local people and visitors to shop in the town centre.
Councillors approved fees for North Wynd and St Andrew Street car parks at a full Council meeting on 22 February.
By making sure there is a regular turnover of spaces, the charges will help secure the long term future of the town centre, which is currently undergoing £1.2 million of improvements. The work on the High Street includes creating 12 car parking spaces.
The decision to introduce charges comes after extensive consultation with local shops and businesses.
A sliding scale of charges will be introduced from 1 July at North Wynd Car Park, which sits just behind WH Smith.
The first hour will be free. A two hour stay will cost £1; three hours will be £2; and four hours will cost £4. Parking for more than four hours at this 90 space car park will be £10.
The same sliding scale of charges will be introduced at the 44-space St Andrew Street car park as soon as building work is complete.
Both car parks, will operate by a ticket system, and will be controlled by car park operator, CP Plus. Fines and penalties for anyone who does not comply with the charges have yet to be finalised.
Councillor Wilma Chalmers, Cabinet Member with responsibility for car parks, said the issue had been discussed with Dalkeith Business Renewal, which supports businesses.
She said: "This is a positive move to help local shops and businesses by making sure there is a regular turnover of spaces. We also need to remember there will still be other free car parks in Dalkeith."
