Parking charges to resume from 26 April as lockdown restrictions ease

Fife Council will resume parking charges from before the end of this month.

It's due to traffic levels are increasing, following the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions.

More people are heading back to work, shop and travel for leisure.

Fife Council is reminding drivers of the local authority's contactless payment option through RingGo, should they wish to avoid cash machine use.

Time limited parking will also return to encourage a turnover of space to help businesses.

Parking charges in Fife will start again on 26 April after they were suspended when lockdown came into force earlier this year.

Drivers with a valid parking season ticket bought before lockdown will have it extended to take account of the time charges weren't in place.

Residents who had a valid permit on 11 January for use in charged parking areas will also be contacted with details of an extension to their permit.

To offer continued support for residents who have had to change their living arrangements during lockdown, for example temporarily living with an elderly relative to provide care, some residents parking schemes remain suspended and will be reviewed later this year.

Derek Crowe, the council's senior manager for roads and transportation, 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.

"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."