COUNCIL bosses have clarified their position over new pay and display machines which were out of action just days into a major new parking scheme.

The Tele reported yesterday how the new £1-a-day meters at the Waterfront car park in Greenock were ‘not in use’, leaving motorists fearing they’d be fined through no fault of their own.

Local authority chiefs have now explained why the machines were not operational.

A council spokesman said: “The enforcement of parking at the waterfront site was suspended this week while a new traffic regulation order was approved.

“The Inverclyde Council meeting approved a new traffic regulation order on Thursday.

“Visitors can now park up at the Waterfront location in a choice of two areas. The parking area closest to the river, described as ‘waterfront’ is one of the £1 all day car parks.

“There’s also free parking for three hours next to the cinema but drivers will need to use a parking disc to display their arrival time.

“Drivers visiting the waterfront area are reminded that the car parking area next to the Waterfront Leisure Centre is leased to Inverclyde Leisure. This section of car park isn’t included in the new parking scheme and is free for visitors to the popular Waterfront Leisure Complex.” Meanwhile, drivers concerned about a lack of the council-issued parking discs, which are needed for various locations in Greenock town centre only, have today been reassured that more are on the way.

The council spokesman added: “Inverclyde’s new parking regime has been operational for five days.

“Fifty thousand copies of the disc were ordered and in the first week of operation supplies now have to be re-stocked with another twenty-five thousand on order.

“Residents and visitors can pick up parking discs in shops, libraries and council offices displaying a sticker to show where copies are available.” Drivers looking for updates on the new parking regulations can access information online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/parking