South Ayrshire Council: Ayr Parking Strategy 2025

Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, has completed a detailed review of parking arrangements in Ayr as part of the South Ayrshire Parking Strategy.

The outcome of the consultation Ayr Parking Consultation 2023 forms the basis of updated residents parking, pay and display arrangements, simplified charging periods and improved permit options.

Frequently asked Questions

What is the Ayr Parking Strategy?

The Ayr Parking Strategy modernises Ayr’s parking systems, updating resident permits, improving turnover, supporting businesses, and ensuring sustainable funding.

Why are changes being made now?

The permit system is over 40 years old and requires adaptations and modernisation, and town-centre activity requires more efficient parking management.

How many people took part in the consultation?

751 responses to the main consultation and over 1,000 responses to the 2 Hours Free Parking survey.

How will enforcement improve?

Income supports more attendants (potentially), clearer signage, and handheld ANPR devices.

Will permits be digital?

Yes. All permits move to a virtual system.

What support is available for disabled users?

Blue Badge exemptions and more disabled bay will be available for disabled users.

How much does implementation cost?

About £158,000 for machines, signage, TROs, and digital systems.

How will revenue be used?

By law, revenue funds roads, car parks, EV charging, and environmental improvements.

Will there be further consultation?

Yes. All changes using TROs will go through statutory 28‑day consultation. The proposals for the free car parks will require formal consultation prior to any decisions being taken.

When will changes take effect?

Changes will take effect in phases following approvals and installation.

Why extend Pay and Display near County Buildings?

To stop long‑stay worker parking and improve turnover for visitors.

Will longer stays be possible?

Yes, especially for court‑related parking needs.

Why introduce charging in free car parks?

They are often full all day, limiting shopper access and generating no maintenance funding

What are the new tarriffs?

Tier 1: £1/hr;

Tier 2: £0.80/hr;

Tier 3: £0.50/hr;

Tier 4: free.

Will disabled drivers pay

No. Blue Badge exemptions remain

Is the 2 hour free parking scheme continuing?

Yes. It has strong business support and boosts footfall.

What benefits has the 2 hour parking scheme delivered?

Increased customer numbers, simpler access, and improved turnover.

Why introduce seasonal charges on the Esplanade?

To manage heavy summer demand and reduce uncontrolled parking.

When will Esplanade charges apply?

Charges will apply from 1 April to 30 September.

Why is the residents' parking scheme changing?

The old system lacked visitor, carer, and business permits, and no longer reflected modern needs.

What are the new permit prices?

Zone A Residents: £60/yr;

Zone B Residents: £45/yr;

Visitors £5.00/£2.50; Carers free;

Business £400/£100.

Does a permit guarantee a residents parking space?

No. As with most UK schemes, permits allow eligibility, not guaranteed spaces.

What changes apply to residents-only streets?

They become shared-use: residents can park unlimited; visitors with permits can park unlimited; non permit holders can park for a maximum of 1 hour (reduced from originally proposed 3 hours)

Why allow visitors in resident zones?

To improve daytime use, support carers, deliveries, and short visits.

Why reduce the 3 hour limit?

Public feedback showed 3 hours was too long; reducing protects residents’ access.

Resident and Visitor Parking Proposals

Shared use residents zones

Residents only streets will change to shared use Residents Permit and Limited Waiting zones operating:

• Permit holders may park without time limit
• Visitor permit holders may also park without time limit
• Non permit holders may stay for up to one hour (reduced from three hours following feedback)

This ensures residents have better access to spaces while still allowing short stay parking.

Why an update is required

Ayr’s existing residents parking scheme dates from the 70's and does not provide:

• Visitor permits
• Carer permits
• Tradesperson permits
• Options for businesses located within residents streets

Updated permit options

Type A (within pay and display zones)

• Residents permits
• Residents visitor permits
• Business permits
• Business visitor permits

Type B (within residents zones)

• Residents permits
• Residents visitor permits (covering up to five vehicles)
• Carer permits
• Business and business visitor permits

Maps and Zones

Map and zone information contained within the PDF documents relating to pricing structures and limited waiting has been amended since the first publication of these documents. Up to date information is contained within the Ayr Parking Strategy 2025.

Zone A (Central Ayr)

Zone B (Surrounding Areas)

Proposed Permit Prices

Residents

Businesses

Contact Information

Address: Ayrshire Roads Alliance, Opera House, 8 John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1DD