Short stay parking in Angus could double from two hours to four under the latest plan brought forward on the controversial issue.
Council communities convener Mark Salmond is driving the idea and hopes the change will be made within weeks – but there will be no change to charges for motorists using the car parks.
Angus currently has around 10 short stay car parks across very burgh, except Monifieth.
The limit is two hours, but Mr Salmond hopes that will be doubled to four in response to complaints over the current set-up.
In an email to fellow councillors, the Montrose Independent said: “I have had approaches from some of our colleagues and members of the public about the two-hour limit on our short term car parks causing local issues.
“I have therefore decided to consult you on my proposal to move the short term car parks from a limit of two hours to four hours. This fits in with our current hourly charging regime (£1 per hour for 1 to 4 hours).
Administration figure Mr Salmond added: “This will allow the flexibility of retaining short term parking on the edges of our town centres while allowing drivers to park up to four hours at any given time.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The Courier newsletter
“I am keen to get a feeling of the views from colleagues in each burgh, as there is the possibility of tailoring the proposal to individual towns should there be a requirement from local members to retain the two hour limit in certain burghs.
“Colleagues in each burgh have a better understanding of the requirement in their own towns hence my request to seek all of your views.”
Mr Salmond said he hopes to make the change swiftly, with a plan to bring the proposal to committee “as soon as possible”.
If agreed, the move would take a further three weeks to come into force.
He added: “I have had discussions with the relevant officers and they are supportive of this refinement to short term parking.
“Permits could still be used in these car parks in line with the current terms and conditions.”
He said that although Monifieth does not have any short stay car parks, he was seeking the views of all councillors on the issues.
The proposal does not affect the area’s long stay car parks, with a review currently underway of the controversial charging system which came into force last November.
Following a backlash to the new scheme which opponents say has left car parks empty and businesses struggling, a council group made up of officers and elected members is looking at changes which could include the introduction of a scratchcard payment system or cash payment at the much-criticised payment meters.
