RESIDENTS in East Dunbartonshire will face parking charges in selected town centre car parks.

The local authority is introducing the charges in car parks in Milngavie, Kirkintilloch and Bearsden, and say initial feedback from traders is positive.

The charges apply to vehicles left longer than two hours in seven council car parks, with 21 car parks remaining free to park all day, everyday.

There is no charging in the evenings or at weekends.

The first two hours are free, with a sliding scale thereafter, up to a maximum of £5: 0-2 hours - free; 2-3 hours - £1; 3-4 hours - £2; and over 4 hours - £5.

Feedback from traders in Milngavie and Bearsden indicates that charges have been received positively - helping to support town centre businesses by freeing up spaces for shoppers.

Every vehicle must display a ticket if it is parked between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, in any of these car parks Milngavie’s Douglas Street, Mugdock Road, Stewart Street (North) and Woodburn Way; Kirkintilloch’s Barleybank and William Patrick Library, and Bearsden’s Roman Road.

The local authority warns that you must obtain a ticket from one of the machines and display it - even if you plan to park for less than two hours - or you are liable to be issued a Penalty Charge Notice.

Blue badge holders are not exempt from charges - even if vehicles are parked in disabled bays within the car parks.

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration, said: "Parking charges were introduced for selected car parks on 4 July and I'm pleased to hear that the initial feedback from traders in Bearsden and Milngavie, in particular, is positive.

"Please ensure you display a ticket if you are parking in one of the seven car parks affected - even if you are only popping to the shops or having a coffee and plan to stay for less than two hours."