Free parking comes to Kirkcaldy town centre

Parking charges at the former Postings Shopping Centre have been ditched for the autumn.

The move by Fife Council is aimed at bringing more people back into the town centre as Kirkcaldy continues its recovery from lockdown.

Since restrictions eased, the High Street has seen a number of new businesses open their doors, the weekly Artisan market relaunched, and a bit of buzz around the area as people shop local.

Parking charges have long been a source of contention for businesses and locals, with many arguing they are a barrier to the town centre’s progress.

They were suspended in April after lockdown, but have since been restored –but with the exception of the Postings, now rebranded the Kirkcaldy Centre.It was one of the biggest generators of parking revenue for transportation until Tesco closed its doors in 2015.

£1.5m funding boost for Fife town centres

The free parking scheme will run seven days each week until the end of October, in tandem with discounted seasons passes.

Derek Crowe, senior manager, roads and transportation, said: “The decision was taken by officers while all committees were on hold.”

He added: “Now that they are operating again, the success of this initiative will be considered by Kirkcaldy Area Committee on October 20, as part of the wider review of the local place making and car parking pilot project.

“That meeting will also look at other options including whether the free trial is extended.”

John Mitchell, Fife Council service manager, said: “This is a central car park and gives people easy access to the town centre via the newly reconstructed access between the Kirkcaldy Centre and the High Street. We’re encouraging people to make the most of these offers – not only to shop locally but spend time locally.”

The free parking initiataive was welcomed by the group leading the town centre’s revival.

Cara Forrester, from Love Oor Lang Toun said: “This will give shoppers and visitors an incentive to visit the town centre, browse the length of the High Street and spend more time rediscovering what Kirkcaldy has to offer.

“We would like to see this as part of a broader strategy including improving sustainable transport and active travel links into the town.

“The results from Fife Council’s consultation on parking provision and the plans for the ‘Spaces for People’ funding will also play a vital part in the development of this strategy and we hope that LOLT will get the opportunity to help shape that.”

“There really is so much to enjoy in the town centre – Kirkcaldy is open for business and we want people to develop a love local first approach which lasts a lifetime.”

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