Free parking will return to Kilmarnock over Christmas but with one notable difference from last year.
East Ayrshire Council scrapped all charges in 2021 in a bid to boost town centre businesses finding their feet after Covid.
But this year, shoppers will be limited to three free hours rather than an unlimited amount of free parking.
Council leader Douglas Reid hinted that the shift in approach has been instigated by retailers with the aim of ensuring that "parking spaces are available."
The new scheme goes live on Thursday, December 1 with visitors able to pay an additional £1 per hour for any extra time over and above the three free hours.
Normal charges will apply within any on-street parking bay.
Councillor Reid said: “We listened to our local retailers last December and agreed the best way to ensure that parking spaces are available in the town centre was to provide three hours of free parking from Thursday, December 1.
"This means that visitors to Kilmarnock and the local community can access the town centre easily for free from any of our car parks to do some Christmas shopping or enjoy one of our town centre restaurants. Just remember that on-street parking charges will remain the same. Free parking is only available within our car parks.
“East Ayrshire Leisure, the council, Kilmarnock Business Association and Celebrate Kilmarnock have some fun events planned for December that will take the stress out of Christmas shopping.
"On Sunday, November 27, from 12pm, there will be a day of festivities including street entertainment and music before the Christmas lights are switched on. All the details will be available by the end of this week.”
Peter Telfer, chairman of Kilmarnock Business Association added: “Christmas is such an important time for local businesses and we really want to encourage as many people as possible to shop local. The three hours of free parking being offered by the council will ensure that the local community and visitors can enjoy free, easy parking within town centre car parks.
"By supporting local businesses you are supporting your own community, helping to grow the economy and keeping local people in work.
“Remember that the EA Giftcard is also available online East Ayrshire Gift Card | Town & City Gift Cards UK ( townandcitygiftcards.com) and can be spent in over 200 locations across East Ayrshire.”
Kilmarnock Town Centre has Christmas all wrapped up with chic independent shops, large national stores and during December, three hours of free parking within Council car parks.
Shoppers using the PayByPhone parking app, can follow instructions on how to claim the three free hours and how to pay for longer stays.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
