Councillor says 'embarrassing' car park is 'losing money'

Long queues were pictured at the ticket machine last Sunday (June 9) as more problems have been reported at the facility.

Independent North Coast councillor Ian Murdoch described the problems as as 'embarrassing', 'detrimental to tourism' and costly.

He has also raised fears that drivers using the seafront car park could end up being fined as the pay-and-display arrangements aren't clear.

(Image: Ian Murdoch)

He also pointed out that the tickets coming from the parking machines are 'unreadable' to most people, and used a comparison with the Bellmans Close car park tickets which are much clearer.

Cllr Murdoch said: "I received the photograph from a local business owner that uses Largs seafront car park seven days a week.

"I cannot write what he thinks of this latest farce and every previous one.

"I was on site at the car park on Wednesday morning and there were issues with the ticket machine and temporary sign. I would like to highlight the following points.

"The temporary sign, which informs motorists that it is now pay and display, was square to the road and unreadable from a vehicle.

"So many people were unaware of the changes. What is the point of installing a sign that cannot be read? 

"The ticket machine has always been difficult to operate and this has not changed with the recent transition.

"The digital display is difficult to read and understand. This is almost impossible when the sun is shining on it.

"Motorists are constantly needing help to use the machine. This should not be necessary.

"The traffic warden's job is almost impossible as the tickets are unreadable unless you have a magnifying glass.

"This is especially difficult if the ticket is displayed on the middle of a dashboard."

Largs seafront car park ticket (Image: Ian Murdoch)

Cllr Murdoch pointed out that the pay and display car park was far more effective at Bellman's Close, and said: "This machine is a lot simpler to use and issues a clearer, simple ticket. 

"A second ticket machine is absolutely necessary at the north area of the car park."

Bellmans Close car park ticket (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

Cllr Murdoch has urged council officials to meet with him as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

In his email to NAC officers he said: "I think it is extremely important that you experience what car park users are experiencing.

"The continuing issues over many years are embarrassing, detrimental to tourism and extremely costly.

"This would not be allowed to continue in a commercial business situation."

The seafront car park revenue goes towards important local projects in the town.

Speaking to the News, Mr Murdoch said: "The parking tickets which are issued might as well be a shopping receipt.

"You can hardly read them and that isn't going to help the parking wardens read the tickets to carry out the appropriate checks necessary.

"I have strong concerns that the car park is going to lose out on more revenue, and hopefully I can have an immediate meeting to try and address these urgent issues and we will see what transpires."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are continuing to monitor the new pay and display operation at Largs seafront car park and will seek to address any issues which arise.

“Additional signage and alteration to the existing sign may be considered to ensure that people are aware that it is now a pay and display and an additional ticket machine has also been requested for installation.

“We are aware of the issue some people are having with the size of the lettering on the tickets and we will raise with the external provider.”

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