WORK is now complete to improve Ayr Town Centre's parking problems, with the council opening up direct access to River Street on the way into the town and new signage pointing visitors to car parks within the town.
Just three months ago, South Ayrshire Council had taken the decision to re-open up access to River Street from Main Street. The decision was taken to encourage people to park in the River Street area.
The Ayrshire Roads Alliance held a local consultation regarding the proposed changes which were to change the local traffic orders to allow River Street to re-open and design a new junction between Main Street and River Street, Ayr.
South Ayrshire Council also took the time to upgrade directional signage to town centre car parks at the same time as the River St project.
A recurring comment throughout the consultation was that drivers experienced difficulty locating from the inner ring road.
Councillor John McDowall, Sustainability and Environment Portfolio holder at SAC said:
"A new strategy had been developed for car park signage. It became clear from the consultation process that motorists found it difficult to locate our car parks. A decision has now been taken to create three distinct groupings, Town Centre North, Town Centre West and Town Centre South. New signs have been erected and redundant signage has been removed so as we head into Christmas shopping period drivers will have ample parking options.
"The Alliance has worked very hard on this project and, despite some seriously challenging weather, the project has been completed in time for the Christmas rush."