Parking charge plan re-think to avoid ‘vaccine tax’ as mass centre opens in Kirkcaldy
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The re-think comes after we revealed the store was being transformed into the region’s biggest mass vaccination centre, and is due to open just days after the local authority brings back parking charges across town.
That could see visitors arriving by car facing a ‘vaccine charge’ as they had to park before going to their appointment .
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Hide AdThe council has said it is now exploring “all suitable options” after criticism on social media following our exclusive story.
Many people were critical of the return of charges in light of the vaccination centre opening.
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And Councillor Judy Hamilton, Labour, has written to the local authority’s head of transportation - which manages the town’s car parks - asking for the situation to be resolved before people arrive for the first appointments.
She said anyone going to the centre could not be charged.
But determining who has an appointment, and who who is simply visiting the town entre may not be so straight-forward - leaving transportation bosses with a headache.
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Hide AdThe department has already revealed a £1.8m shortfall in revenue after parking income collapsed during the pandemic.
Kirkcaldy town centre remains the single biggest driver of revenue.
Scott Blyth, lead consultant, said: “We’re currently exploring suitable options to support the vaccination centre in Kirkcaldy High Street.
“Once plans are in place, details will be made available for visitors to the centre.”