A month-long parking free-for-all that left traffic wardens powerless to issue fines in Perth came to an end on Monday.
Motorists who have been exploiting the loophole despite a plea from the council not to “abuse” the situation will now have to get a ticket or face a fine.
The council maintained that the no-fine period was deliberate to allow people to get used to a “bedding in” period for new parking charges and to allow traffic wardens to “support and advise” the public.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, however, claimed it was “a blunder” on the part of the council who he said had failed to apply for a traffic order in good time.
“As I have said before it is a complete fiasco for the council.
“It has had an effect on some businesses as people parked willy-nilly and didn’t move. I hope we never get ourselves in this situation again this has not shown Perth and Kinross Council in a good light,” he said.
Confirming that the fine-free period which started on January 11 ends today, a council spokesman said: “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback to our parking attendants and other staff during the initial bedding-in period for the parking changes within Perth city centre. The changes have now been in place for a month and during this time our attendants have been undertaking an advice and assistance role to allow people to get used to the changes.
“They will continue to be happy to help answer questions and explain the new system to anyone who needs it, but from Monday they will also be enforcing the new system by issuing penalty charge notices for failure to display tickets and parking over the time.
“Please remember that if you are using the free 15-minute parking option to pop to the shops you will still need to display a ticket just press the button on parking machines on-street and in council-operated car parks to get a free 15-minute ticket.”