WAITING restrictions, residents parking and residents permit parking are to be introduced to Prestwick town centre.

The decision was made at a South Ayrshire Council planning committee recently by councillors who discussed the proposal in great detail.

Speaking at the meeting Cllr Hugh Hunter said: "I do not think the officers could have done any more to make residents aware of these proposals.

"Following todays meeting, if these proposals are approved, when would they be implemented?"

Cllr Hunter was informed by a spokesperson for Ayrshire Roads Alliance, who attended the meeting, that by the time the Alliance go through the planning process, with permits being printed, the new parking rules could be in place by September.

Cllr Hunter continued: "I understand the permits have not yet been designed and this is causing concern amongst residents. There is a lack of parking in within Prestwick town centre.

"We have got parking at the sea front where people can park and it means they get to walk."

The spokesperson replied: "We have gone with the voucher parking. We have over the years got practical and these vouchers will have holograms so they cannot be photocopied, instead of using vehicle registration.

"There will be a review in three months time to see if there are any elements of displacement and take it from there. Displacement is something we are going to watch."

Cllr Ian Douglas said: "Taking the smaller businesses into account, there are a lot of people who run bed and breakfasts. Their clients arrive by car. I know we have got arrangements in Ayr to have a temporary stay.

"Are we going to have a similar arrangement in Prestwick?" Yes was the answer.

Cllr Ian Cavana commented: "With regards to people walking from the sea front, we must remember the Scottish weather. Will one parking amendment be enough?"

This was confirmed by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. There will be a three month review which will help them to assess if the parking updates have been beneficial.