Alister Jack MP had raised concerns about hefty penalties being imposed on drivers who, even briefly, used a former auction mart site, off the town’s Whitesands.
He received complaints from local motorists disputing charge notices they received averaging around £60 for not paying a camera-generated fee at the time, through cashless phone payment.
The system introduced by a national parking management company on behalf of the commercially-operated car park’s owners relies on drivers paying using a downloaded mobile phone app, pictured.
But according to the Scottish Secretary, a combination of poor signage, close proximity to free council parking spaces and dark winter nights, together with a lack of awareness about the app, contributed to constituents falling foul of the new system.
He raised the issue with the car park owners, D&G Homes, a subsiduary of Loreburn Housing, and has now received an assurance that changes will be made to the charging system.
Loreburn’s chief executive Lorraine Usher said: “D&G Homes Board has agreed to several actions, including improved lighting, more regular inspections to ensure the safety of the site and additional signage to ensure parking charges are transparent.
“In support of local trade and activity, the Board were also agreeable to the proposal of the first 30 minutes of parking being free, and this has been agreed with the management company and will soon be implemented.”
