VISITORS to a popular Scottish tourist spot are set to be hit with parking charges for the first time.
Plans to introduce the charges at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch have now been approved.
The destination is a tourist hotspot with stunning view across Loch Lomond[/caption]
Plans have been approved to introduce parking charges at Loch Lomond Shores[/caption]
We previously told how the centre’s chiefs lodged plans with West Dunbartonshire Council to erect barriers at the entrance.
Bosses said it was a “difficult decision” as it looked to impose parking charges from spring this year.
And this week the proposals were given the go-ahead by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Planning Authority, the Lennox Herald reports.
Four pole-mounted cameras for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) will be installed.
Two barriers, pay on exit machines and pay and display machines with shelters will also be put in place.
Parking will cost 50p for 30 minutes, £1 for two hours, £2 for four hours, and £4 for all day.
Research showed that 75 per cent of visitors stay for an hour and 45 minutes, management stated.
A Loch Lomond Shores spokesperson previously said: “It has been a difficult decision to make as we understand that free parking is a popular part of our offering for our visitors.
“However, after much research, analysis and discussion, their introduction is a necessity to maintain and improve the visitor experience here at Loch Lomond Shores going forward.
“Our site covers 44 acres and has a diverse environment including woodland, beaches, large external pedestrian areas, walkways, playpark and retail buildings – all of which require constant specialist maintenance year-round.
“Our team works hard to maintain all of this but, the cost of maintenance, repairs and improvements has sky-rocketed post-COVID and, if we want to continue being a high-quality visitor attraction, we must find a way to fund all of these going forward.
“So, while this decision has been difficult, it is a way of safeguarding its future and allows us to continue to not only maintain but improve what we offer our visitors.”
Loch Lomond Shores is home to scores of shops and eateries, including Frasers, Sports Direct, Tweeds of Scotland, Loch Lomond Jewellers, Jurassic Grill, and Cafe Zest.
The venue, around 30 minutes from Glasgow, also boasts stunning views over the iconic loch.
The shopping centre boasts stunning views over the loch[/caption]
