City Quay businesses are up in arms at new car parking charges which they say are deterring customers.
The first hour of parking used to be free, but charging now starts immediately.
Business owners said the first week of £1-an-hour charges has hit them hard as customers are put off visiting.
Businesses such as Taza, Domino’s Pizza, City Harbour Chinese Buffet and Porters are affected as well as the area’s recruitment firm, chartered surveyors, the golf shop, Good Health and Fitness and Curves.
Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, which is also based at City Quay, said: “This has a real impact on those businesses like Heal Physiotherapy, Hays, Porters Restaurant etc, who have people who visit for short times (some sessions at Heal may only be 20 to 30 minutes) and a fee of £1 on top of what a customer already pays for a service is likely to have a really detrimental effect on the overall cost for a customer to visit a business.
“I know that many of our chamber members are worried that the parking fee will put off a lot of their visitors, or help make them less competitive than others elsewhere.
“If we are looking to attract people into the area to use our businesses, spend locally etc, it feels like a backward step, and a financial profit-making decision by someone whose livelihood doesn’t depend on this income.”
Graham and Sibbald, agents for City Quay Parking Ltd, said: “The owners of the car park feel that the fee of £1 for an hour is reasonable and is still cheaper than most of the city centre car parks.
“The owners also wish it to be mentioned that there are plans to improve the parking facilities.”
Lynne Short, who used to live in City Quay, has taken up the issue on behalf of local businesses and their customers.
She said: “The new charging rules mean there is no longer a ticketed free hour before charges commence.
“It is already difficult enough to park in City Quay and local businesses need all the incentives, such as this free parking hour, they presently have to ensure they can continue to operate and compete with other city centre commercial areas.”