A new scheme to improve parking problems in Stornoway comes into use this week with the introduction of Pay and Display in Perceval Square Car Park.

A lack of available parking can have a significant effect on economic activity within the town centre as both local residents and visitors unable to find spaces do not use the town centre shops. 

Parking surveys in the town have shown a significant number of town centre spaces are filled by longer term parking and only a small number of parking spaces are available to visitors during the day.  In order to ensure that there is a regular availability of short term parking and these spaces can be easily identified within  one car park the Comhairle has approved the introduction of Pay and Display parking at Perceval Square.

The required equipment is being installed and legislative agreements secured to enable the Pay and Display parking in Stornoway to be introduced from Friday 13th July.  A total of 70 parking bays in the existing Perceval Square car park will be covered by the new parking charges.

The costs for Pay and Display will be:

Up to 1 Hour                    20p

Up to 2 hours                  50p

Up to 3 hours              £1:00,

The maximum stay in these short term spaces is 3 hours and no return to this car park is permitted for 2 hours after departure.

No charging will apply to the old fishermans car park, which will continue to be unrestricted.

The Comhairle will continue to examine other parking options and is always open to suggestions on any suitable sites which will provide additional spaces in the town.