Council chiefs have been urged to expand Paisley’s Free for Three pilot as they carry out a wider review into parking.

The town centre scheme, which allows drivers to park in specific car parks for three hours at no charge, was introduced in 2019.

A report to last August’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board said it would “remain in place” until the end of this month.

However, when contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service to confirm if this was still the case, the council would not provide a firm timeline.

But a spokesperson did say it would go on while the local authority “undertakes a full review” of parking in the area.

The business improvement district behind the concept has called for the initiative to be extended to other car parks in the area.

Colette Cardosi, chair of Paisley First, said: “Local businesses are already struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, so we must do all we can to encourage people to visit the town centre and our local businesses.

“Our Free for Three pilot programme has now been in place since 2019 and we would hope that Renfrewshire Council’s full review of parking will finally lead to Free for Three parking being extended to all town centre car parks.

“Additionally, we are maintaining our call for any review to also examine time-limited free parking for on street parking spaces too, to help put our town centre businesses on a level playing field with their counterparts in Renfrew and Johnstone, as well as shopping centres such as Wallneuk and Braehead.”

The car parks involved in the programme include Orchard Street, Weighhouse Close, Hunter Street upper and lower, Oakshaw and School Wynd, as well as short and long stay facilities at the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

A council spokesperson said: “Supporting town centre businesses across Renfrewshire remains a priority following the impact of the pandemic and the increasing cost of doing business and we will always engage with local business groups to consider their views.

“We are continuing the Paisley town centre parking initiative – providing three hours of free parking in eight council car parks – while we undertake a full review of parking.

“We are also developing new measures to improve town centre access for public transport and active travel.”