Parking charges in Perth are to be overhauled in a bid to breathe new life into the city centre.
Shoppers will be given 15 minutes of free parking to allow them to pick up items from local shops. The grace period is in recognition of the popularity of click and collect shopping.
The city will also be split into zones, with a flat rate charged for each one.
The most central zone allows parking for up to 1 hour for £1. Zone 2 parking is for a maximum of 4 hours at a flat-rate of £1 an hour.
Long-stay parking in zone 3 is up to 6 hours at a flat-rate of 50p an hour, or up to 10 hours at a flat rate of 40p an hour, with a maximum charge of £4.
Canal Street multi-storey car park is the only exception to this as the car park is located in zone 1, but caters for long-stay parking at a maximum charge of £8.
The changes will initially run for a one-year trial period.
Councillor John Kellas, convener of the enterprise and infrastructure committee, said: “Many people now choose to browse their favourite shops and order online, before travelling in to pick up their purchased items.
“Free 15-minute parking makes that even more appealing in the city as visitors are able to park at no cost while they make a short trip to collect their purchases.
“Drivers will still have to display a ticket to show when they arrived, but don’t need to pay anything unless they want to stay for longer.
“The city still offers a range of parking options, from a short-stay zone for parking up to an hour through to all-day parking in the long-stay zone. This is in addition to the existing options of monthly parking tickets, pay on exit at South Inch car park and three busy park and ride facilities.
“The new charging system will run for a trial period throughout 2016 and I look forward to hearing feedback from visitors, residents and local businesses so that we can make sure that our parking system is fit for a 21st Century city.”
John Bullough, chairman of Perth City Development Board, said: “The primary reason that people give for not coming to Perth regularly is the perceived lack of parking spaces and the confusing range of charges throughout the city. The Perth City Development Board recognises this concern and believes it is essential for all city centre businesses that we rectify it.
“Perth actually has plenty of parking spaces and there are plans in the new year to enhance our existing facilities.
“By simplifying and reducing the price of parking in Perth, we are taking an important step toward correcting this perception. We need to shout from the rooftops that Perth welcomes its visitors, with their cars and we are open for business.”