Published Date: Jul 22nd, 2020
Fife Council will resume parking enforcement and normal parking charges from 3 August 2020 as traffic levels increase through Phase 3 of the Government's route map to recovery. Parking demand is increasing as more people return to work, visit shops and travel for leisure.
Drivers will pay for parking as normal in all charged parking places and normal enforcement measures will resume.
Drivers are reminded of the council's contactless payment option through RingGo, should they wish to avoid using cash machines.
While charges will return, the place making pilot in Kirkcaldy will continue to look at local solutions to promote regeneration and improvements to operation of the High Street.
Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council's Convener, Economy, Tourism, Strategic Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “The return to normal parking measures, including parking changes, will ensure local businesses benefit from the turnover of customers that the charges promote and help them get back to more normal footfall. It is vital that we support the retail sector at this very difficult time. The impact of continued social distancing will mean that the turnover of customers throughout the day will be even more important than normal.
“We are also working with communities and businesses to agree measures that will help businesses open and function as we ease back through the phases of recovery.
“The council has a role to play in ensuring the fair and safe use of space in Fife and everyone can play their part, by planning ahead and supporting our local businesses.”
Car parking enforcement is needed to protect access for disabled drivers, ensure turnover of parking spaces for shoppers and to preserve access for essential deliveries and services.
Those drivers with a valid parking season ticket purchased pre-lockdown will have that extended to take account of the time charges were not in place.
To offer continued support for residents who have changed their living arrangements during lockdown (eg. temporarily living with an elderly relative to provide care), residents parking schemes remain suspended and will be reviewed later in the year.
Parking fees were suspended temporarily from 9 April 2020 during lockdown to support the emergency response and these are being re-introduced on 3 August as lockdown easing measures are progressed.