Invitation to pay parking meters net £25K for Wester Ross communities, Highland Council told
A SO-CALLED “invitation to pay” car parking scheme will contribute almost £25,000 to be spent in Highland Council’s Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward in the next year.
At the meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh committee on Monday, members were updated on income generated in their area via the Invitation To Pay Scheme in council operated car parks.
Car parks in Ullapool, Dornie, Gairloch, Kyle, Little Gruinard and Plockton are included in the scheme.
Co-chair of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh committee, Cllr Liz Kraft, said: “By inviting car park users to make a voluntary contribution to park this much-welcomed income stream continues to boost communities across the ward.
“The funds are a significant addition to the ward budget and we continue to encourage local groups and trusts to identify community priority projects which could benefit from a share of this money.”
As per council policy, 50 per cent of income after costs are passed to the relevant area committee as ear-marked funds from the previous financial year.
2024/25 income, earmarked for 2025/26 spend, totals £24,417.31 for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh.
In 2024/25 32 invitation to pay sites in Highland generated gross income of:
£337,052 for Regulated Car Parks.
£46,369 for Common Good Car Parks.
Members may allocate funds raised through the scheme at their discretion and within their governance.
It is recognised as good practice that income raised in a particular ward is allocated to that ward so that the public can see the practical benefits of the scheme.
The breakdown of net income by location is detailed below.
