Free parking returns to Kilmarnock over Christmas but with one big change

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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.”The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area –