Parking permit cost hike abandoned

by Ben Philip and Philippa Gerrard

Councillors have voted to ditch proposals for a 25% increase in the cost of parking permits for residents across Aberdeen.

Members of the city council's emterprise, planning and infrastructure committee also agreed for officials to carry out a "complete re-appraisal" of all parking charges in the city and report back at a later date.

Parking is a big issue for both drivers and the council. (Image by Joe Sutherland)

The council has been accused by opponents of performing a U-turn after finance covener Willie Young initially defended the proposed increase for residents' permits last week.

Mr Young said: "We are doing what is right and what is right is to freeze permit charges, not increase them."

Council leader Barney Crockett believes the people of Aberdeen will "welcome" the decision to freeze parking charges.

He added: "We will be taking a deeper look at the whole picture of parking to find a more progressive way forward people to accept and appreciate."

Meanwhile, parking charges continue to rise in certain areas accross the city.

Prices in Garthdee and Forsterhill will increase by more than double next month.

Students who attend the Robert Gordon's University are shocked by this massive increase.

Alice McNulty, who studies events management, said: "I was rejected from halls so I stay in Inverurie.

"It's a lot to pay for a permit and it goes up every year."