West Dunbartonshire Council could start charging drivers for parking in town centres, if a plan is agreed next week.
Currently motorists parking within the local authority's towns and villages are not charged, however, a proposal announced yesterday could change this.
As the council face a £14m funding gap for 2026/27, options are being presented to councillors which could save them money and plug the void.
One of the considered avenues to generate more funds is by introducing charges to car parks in Clydebank, Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch.
The proposed costs would be implemented between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. They are:
- Between zero and two hours: £1
- Between two and three hours: £2
- Between three and four hours: £3
- More than four hours: £5
It is expected that blue badge holders can continue to park without charge.
To introduce the signage within council owned car parks the authority would have to promote the change via a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which is likely to take up to 18 months.
In addition to this, there would be a capital cost of £150,000 to install the required pay machines.
More enforcement officer could also be required in order to impose the charges.
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The report notes that there may be "negative feedback from employees and residents who currently use council care parks free of charge."
The document reads: "Good parking management is a recognised tool to encourage turnover and improve access to town centre businesses and amenities.
"This option proposes implementing charges or parking within town centre car parks in Dumbarton, Clydebank, Alexandria and Balloch following the promotion of traffic regulation orders.
"This may have negative feedback from employees and residents who currently use Council car parks free of charge.
"The impact of this would be partially offset by maximising the use of council owned electric pool vehicles.
"There are good public transport links to the town centre and the use of these will be promoted to encourage sustainable commuting."
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