Pressure is mounting on Renfrewshire Council amid claims a contentious parking strategy could cause “irreversible damage” in Paisley.

The local authority has been urged to rethink changes that took effect in February as figures show a stark rise in the amount of money being pulled in through fines.

Charges for on and off-street parking increased in the town centre, with one hour free for both, the Free for Three initiative was axed and penalty charge notices jumped from £60 to £100 – the fee halved if paid within a fortnight.

Data, released following a freedom of information request, has since disclosed the level of funds the council has recovered through parking fines.

The total stood at £32,367.05 in February (compared to £13,502.05 in February 2023), £51,189.05 in March (£15,750 in March 2023), £30,775.05 in April (£12,809 in April 2023) and £42,450 in May (£11,740 in May 2023).

Labour MSP Neil Bibby fired: “These figures reveal a huge hike in the amount of money the council has been pocketing in parking fines.

“While appropriate action should be taken to tackle illegal parking there are clearly questions to be answered on these eye-watering increases.

“It is little wonder these increases coincided with the council’s decision to reduce free parking in Paisley and hike up charges.

“It is clear that local motorists are being used as a cash cow both through paying more parking and being caught out by the new parking rules.

“Local businesses rely on accessible parking to attract customers and there are concerns that current parking charges are having a detrimental impact on trade.

“The council must reconsider this policy and ensure that parking regulations do not unfairly target those who live and work in our town.”

Paisley First campaigned against the loss of Free for Three – a scheme that previously allowed drivers to park in specific car parks for three hours at no charge – and is worried about the long-term repercussions of the changes.

Elaine Templeton, chair of the business improvement district, said: “We have already submitted evidence to Renfrewshire Council which shows the devastating impact the loss of Free for Three and higher parking charges is having on local businesses.

“A dozen businesses in the town centre have either closed, relocated or announced their intention to leave the town centre since these changes came into effect.

“It is clear that one-hour free parking isn’t enough to attract people into the town centre when it remains free in Johnstone, Renfrew and Braehead and people simply can’t afford to risk getting a parking ticket.

“The convener stated at the committee meeting in November that nothing was set in stone; therefore we urge councillors and council officials to accept that these changes are harming the town centre and its local businesses, and to increase the duration of free parking in Paisley before the damage becomes irreversible.”

Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour group environment spokesperson, added: “This sharp increase in parking fines is a clear sign that the current approach is not working for the people of Renfrewshire.

“The decision to remove the three-hour free parking has placed an unnecessary financial burden on local residents and businesses at a time when they can least afford it.”

However, SNP council leader Iain Nicolson responded, saying: “Fines were increased in line with our new car parking strategy and are only issued if a vehicle isn’t correctly parked or if you outstay your allotted time.

“The increase in the parking fine earlier this year will have a direct bearing on the higher amount currently being received in fines.

“The amount of free parking in Paisley was massively increased with free parking expanded from off-street car parks to on-street parking.

“This has been welcomed by local businesses who often found parking spaces blocked out all day and passing trade being lost due to lack of spaces being available.

“This expanded free parking allows people to stop and nip into local shops without having to buy a parking ticket. There is also a choice of using either council car park spaces or the many private ones that also exist.

“Renfrewshire’s parking charges are in line with national standards and below that of other towns and cities.

“This council administration is very clear that the provision of well-managed parking is something that residents, businesses and visitors want and expect.”