DO not be confused by the new parking signs at the beachfront – parking remains free of charge, but if you are feeling benevolent towards our hard-up local authority, why not make a donation?
The new signage serves as a reminder of the Council’s challenging budget agreed earlier this year. In February, councillors conceded to a package of service cuts and savings across the Shire, totalling almost £14 million.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson told The Bellman: “To help our services maintain and improve parking facilities in high-demand tourist areas, a decision was taken during the budget-setting process at Full Council on February 27 to introduce a voluntary car-parking payment system at selected car parks.
”While there will be no enforcement or penalties for non-payment, visitors to these areas are encouraged to make a small contribution to support the ongoing upkeep of these public spaces.
”Funds collected will go directly towards maintaining parking areas and surrounding infrastructure.”
With its introduction of optional parking payments. Aberdeenshire Council hopes to boost its revenue account by £10,000.
Stonehaven and District Community Council chair David Lawman is uncomfortable with the mixed messages though.
He said: ”I understand Aberdeenshire are keen to maximise income, but unless you look closely, folks, especially visitors, when seeing the “RingGo” and “Pay by Phone” logos will automatically assume they should pay.
”It looks a little like they are trying to trick folks into paying, rather than a genuine effort to ask folks if they would like to make a voluntary payment.”