Why we fear cuts to free parking in our town

For almost five years, visitors to Paisley have been able to get three hours free parking in six of the town's car parks.

Businesses said it was long enough for motorists to pop to the shops, grab some lunch, spend time volunteering, or even get a hair cut.

But now Renfrewshire Council have cut free parking down to an hour and increased charges to £5 for three hours.

Retailers say the change could have a damaging impact across the town centre, with one charity shop manager saying his volunteers are considering cutting their hours.

The council said the move was designed to "maximise the number of people able to visit local businesses and access town centre services and attractions".

Stephen Gardiner, 56, the manager of a Cancer Research UK charity shop, said the parking charge would affect customers and staff.

"In essence my volunteers pay to be here, they pay with their time, and now with parking charges," he said.

It will also affect the number of shoppers in the store, he added.

"People will go to the easier option, we have a big superstore in Linwood that people can park right outside," he said.

"I could maybe see an argument for it if there was a real problem with parking round here - but there just isn’t."

The car park charges follow a number of significant investments Paisley, aimed at increasing the number of people visiting and living in the city centre.

They include the refurbishment of Paisley town hall as an entertainment venue and a new central library in a derelict former shop.

Despite Mr Gardiner's opposition to the parking charges, he said: "I do think the council have done a lot of good things in comparison to Glasgow, it’s not a complete negative for me."

Under the new parking rules introduced earlier this month, the Free for Three scheme was scrapped in favour of one hour free in all council-owned car parks and on-street parking bays.

Other changes include:

• An increase in parking penalties from £60 to £100 (in line with Transport Scotland guidance)
• An increase in parking charges (two hours - £4; three hours - £5; four hours - £6; all day - £8)

Paisley First, the town's business improvement district, has campaigned with local businesses since September to stop the removal of Free for Three.

"I just wish the council would listen," said Kenny Fallon, the owner of Kenneth Edward Hair on Causeyside Street.

"The Free for Three was a real advantage to a lot of people… all of a sudden it's taken away," the 56-year-old added.

His husband, Declan Fallon, 53, who also works at the salon, said one staff member now found it cheaper to get a taxi than drive to work.

"The town centre is already on its knees, everybody's trying really really hard to bring the town centre back to life and hold on to what we’ve got," he said.

Declan added that businesses were never consulted on the parking changes.

“There has to be a happy medium somewhere, there has to be some way to meet in the middle."

Cindy McKendrick, the general manager of Cafe Fairfull on Paisley's High Street, called for the reintroduction of Free for Three.

"Customers used to go shopping then grab some lunch with us, that was about three hours.

"Now they're having to spend money to park and now sometimes cancelling their lunch all together," Cindy said.

Cindy added that there was also an increased cost for her staff. Those who work five days a week will shell out £40 on parking charges.

Craig Kirkwood. 42, the owner of With Love Flowers on Causeyside Street said that Paisley was "already struggling as it is."

"Public transport isn’t dependable, I can’t afford to be a member of staff down so we all drive and it's an additional cost."

Alison McFordie, who lives in Paisley town centre, said the changes benefited her.

"I live on a street where it's all ticketed, residents can get a free permit but there's not always a space if people driving into Paisley are using them."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said the parking charges were approved by councillors in November 2023.

"We have engaged with business groups about parking in Paisley and have significantly increased the number of free parking spaces across the town, with all 20 car parks and on-street parking bays in Paisley offering one hour of free parking to support people visiting businesses."