A REVIEW of parking charges in Peebles is underway after motorists admitted it was driving them around the bend.

Tweeddale Councillor Robin Tatler put the wheels in motion for a review of off-street parking as he feared the current charging system, which is unique from other Border towns, was confusing and putting tourists off visiting Peebles.

Within the three main car parks the rules vary with East Station charging only on a Saturday, Greenside charging everyday apart from a Sunday, and Kingsmeadows being free.

When the idea of the review was first mooted in September, the Peeblesshire News surveyed readers asking them their thoughts.

A poll revealed that 77 percent of people were in favour of a review of car parking in Peebles.

A working group has now been set up which consists of representatives from Peebles Community Council, the Community Trust, Tweeddale Access Forum and members of the public.

However, Councillor Tatler is now calling for members of the business community to join.

He said: “We’ve had a brief meeting discussing what our remit and scope is going to be.

"We are going to look at what are the perceived and real issues in terms of parking. Specifically off-street parking, but it might creep into on-street parking as well.

“We are then going to gather evidence, surveys and so on. We’re meeting five times over the course of this year and we will come up with some suggestions in November. There are six of us on the group but we are lacking representation from the traders.”

The parking review group is seeking opinions from the community and businesses about off-street parking.

Councillor Tatler said: “We welcome people to give us a list of issues and then we will move on to the next stage where we will gather evidence by doing surveys and looking at the turnover of car parks."

The review will include the need for a specific park and ride car park and a standardisation of car parking charges.

Locals and business owners with views are invited to contact Councillor Robin Tatler, or a representative from the local organisations involved.