Getting creative with parking charges could bring more people in to Dunfermline town centre, it has been claimed.
Local MP Douglas Chapman believes retailers and shoppers would back trials of reduced parking charge initiatives.
He highlighted Kirkcaldy’s six-month two hours for £1 bands as an example.
“There’s a whole range of different approaches the council could be taking to make our parking areas more attractive to shoppers.
“Kirkcaldy is trying something different so should we,” he said.
“For instance, key council car parks could be made free from 3pm to encourage people to visit the town after work, which in turn will support our local businesses and jobs with people enjoying dinner and shopping in the early evening period.
“Currently the car parks don’t reduce their charge until after the shops shut.
“Retailers could be involved in a scheme that refunds parking charges to customers upon presentation of a tear-off slip.
“A trial would allow Fife Council to see what impact such a scheme could have.
“A strong take-up of the offer could offset loss of parking income.
“If the response is positive and there is evidence people have used car parking more because it’s cheaper, then there would be an argument to keep it.”
Fife Council owns more than 170 public car parks, of which 30 are fee-paying, mainly located in town centres.
The Kirkcaldy trial, which applies to council car parks, also introduced discounted quarterly parking season tickets encouraging town-centre workers to park in long-stay bays.
It’s due to end on March 31.
Jean Muir, who is working with Mr Chapman, said: “We want to attract people and our parking charges can often create an obstacle to that.
“We also need to consider ways in which to foster a more welcoming environment for visitors who come to our town centre by car.”
Mr Chapman added: “There’s no doubt that Dunfermline is one of the best town centres anywhere in Fife.
“But we want to go that step further and be ambitious.
“That’s why I’m calling on the council to have a look at the possibility of introducing a trial reduced parking scheme for shoppers, people visiting the town centre and for workers.”
Service manager John Mitchell said: “Demand for parking in Dunfermline town centre remains relatively high.
“We’ll be assessing the impact of the trial in Kirkcaldy, including its cost effectiveness, before making any recommendations on a way forward for other charged towns in Fife.”