Two trial pay and display machines set up in Largs car park

We reported in May that contractors had installed a new pay and display machine ahead of the summer season.

But since then there have been weeks of problems reported by drivers.

Issues with the barrier led to some drivers getting stuck in the car park and a reduction in revenue caused by the need to employ staff at the facility.

Long queues have been a continued problem since the new machine was installed (Image: Ian Murdoch)

Last month council bosses were urged to move quickly to fix problems with the new pay-and-display system after long queues were pictured (above) at the ticket machine,

Independent North Coast councillor Ian Murdoch expressed fears to North Ayrshire Council officials that drivers using the seafront car park could end up being fined as the pay-and-display arrangements aren't clear.

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

READ MORE: New pay and display system is launched at Largs seafront car park

He had an on-site meeting with the head of commercial services at the local authority on June 18 and then a follow-up meeting with NAC chief executive Craig Hatton and senior officials from the authority.

The councillor has since welcomed the decision to install the new system and hopes that it will reduce waiting times for visitors.

One of the new trial pay systems (Image: Ian Murdoch)

READ NEXT: New ticket machines trial for Largs seafront car park in bid to end long queues

Cllr Murdoch added: "The new machines are solar powered and work remotely. I believe they are much easier to use and provide a simple, easy to read and understandable ticket.

"No parking spaces have been lost during this installation. One space has been used to accommodate the new machine in the middle of the car park.

"However, I asked for the space where the old north pay point was, to be reinstated to give us a space.

"I really hope the trial is a success and we can finally have an efficient system after so many problems in the past."

Revenue from the seafront car park is used to fund local projects in Largs.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The aim of the new pay and display system at the seafront car park in Largs is to give users a better experience.

“Those who used the previous system will be aware of the intermittent issues which arose, such as mechanical issues with the barrier.

“The new barrier-free system of pay and display is designed to streamline the flow of visitors in and out of the car park.

"The introduction of additional ticket machines and a simplified system of getting a ticket should help reduce issues when parking, leaving and paying.

“We have monitored the new system since its introduction in early June and this helped us identify further opportunities for improvement.

"These include the introduction of additional pay points and improvements to the ticketing system.

“We are pleased with the positive feedback we have received following these improvements.

"We will continue to monitor the new system and have further plans to remove the former pay points to reduce confusion.”