Two hours a day of free parking may be available in Perceval Square car park in Stornoway over the Christmas period.
Transportation councillors backed the idea but it requires to be ratified at the full council next week.
Cllr Charlie Nicolson raised the suggestion, saying it could operate between 18 December and 5 January.
This would “help support businesses during the festive period in Stornoway town centre.”
Cllr Ranald Fraser hoped the initiative would provide a “vital boost to shopkeepers following the “detrimental effect” of covid on the local economy over the last nine months.”
Cllr Kenny John Macleod endorse the support for town centre retailers but worried about unintended consequences if motorists abused the offer and overstayed their welcome, thus “reducing the number of people who can make use of the town centre.”
“Without an incentive to turn around rapidly the car park spaces you may get people simply parking their vehicles for much longer, thereby reducing the capacity to have greater numbers in the town centre.
“I absolutely support the objective - but I am not quite sure if this is actually going to help or hinder that.
Free Christmas parking on the cards in Stornoway town centre
2 December 2020
