WEEKEND charges for council-owned car parks and on street spaces are being suspended in Ayr for the festive period to encourage more people to come and shop in the busy town centre. 

South Ayrshire Council has announced the measures, which have been put in place with immediate effect.

All on-street parking will be free as well as in the council-owned car parks in Barns Crescent, Charlotte Street, and Kyle Street every weekend, both in the run-up to Christmas, and on Hogmanay for sale shopping. 

Private car parks will continue to charge as normal. 

Councillor John McDowall, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment said the move would help to add sparkle to high street sales. 

He said: “Christmas December is traditionally retailers’ busiest month of the year and we want to encourage as many people as possible to shop locally through the festive period.

“In the coming few weeks we’ll be making thousands of spaces free to make it easier for people to visit the town centre, something I’m sure will be warmly welcomed.

“So if you’re thinking about travelling to buy your presents this year, please think about staying closer to home and making the most of everything Ayr has to offer.”

David Bell, managing director at Ayr Renaissance, welcomed the move. 

He said: “Ayr is a fantastic place to do your Christmas shopping and it’s great that South Ayrshire Council has entered into the Christmas spirit and made weekend parking free with immediate effect. 

“With a superb selection of independent and national retailers I’d urge everybody to shop local and support local businesses.”

The free parking applies to on street parking in Ayr town centre and in council operated off-street car parks. Motorists will still be charged for parking in private car parks in the town.

Normal parking charges will be reinstated from Saturday, January 7.