PARKING charges and strict waiting restrictions are among a host of new regulations given the green light by council bosses.

Councillors on the environment and regeneration committee have backed a new decriminalised parking enforcement scheme, which will come into force in October in an attempt to in a bid to tackle congestion chaos.

The new rules follow the controversial withdrawal of traffic wardens by the police service a few years ago.

The cost-cutting measure led to a parking free-for-all, with drivers leaving their cars in inconsiderate places and occupying spaces on busy streets all day long.

From October there will now be a £1 charge to use some council-owned car parks and maximum stay times will be introduced at Cathcart Street, William Street and the Bullring car park in Greenock.

After dozens of public objections were received, the plans were forwarded to an independent Scottish Government reporter, who has recommended some minor alterations but backed the overall scheme.

Now councillors have also thrown their weight behind it too, meaning it can be brought into effect.

Councillor Michael McCormick, pictured below, said: “A new parking regime can help to reduce inconsiderate parking and all day bay blocking, which will help businesses and shops.

“The independent reporter highlighted some changes to the scheme which we will take on board.

“It is gratifying that after an independent evaluation, the reporter believed our system to be robust and that it would increase the attractiveness of the medium stay car parking offer in Greenock town centre.” But the project was nearly hit with a last-minute roadblock from SNP councillors Innes Nelson, Math Campbell Sturgess and Jim MacLeod.

Mr MacLeod said they agreed with the ‘thrust’ of the proposals but added there was a need for residents’ parking permits to allow locals, especially in Cathcart Street, to park free of charge outside their properties.

During the meeting Councillor Nelson made an amendment calling for a new report into this matter — going against advice from council officials — but it was voted down 8-3.

During heated debate, the Labour administration blasted the opposition trio over their failed manouevre.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty said: “A residents’ permit in itself does not create any more parking spaces in Greenock.

“All it does is allow someone to park for free in a place where there is a charge.” His colleague Martin Brennan agreed, and slammed Councillor Nelson.

He said: “I’m mystified by Councillor Nelson’s amendment, because I don’t know what it meant and I don’t think he knew either.

“It’s a waste of the committee’s time to be discussing something you’re not sure of.” Council leader Stephen McCabe also criticised the trio for raising concerns years after the plans were first mooted and said their viewpoint was ‘absolute nonsense’.

Mr McCabe told them: “We have officers here delivering one of the most complex strategies ever.

“At this moment in time there’s traffic chaos in Greenock.

“You want to distract our officers to come up with a report on something we may or may not implement.

“There was ample opportunity to raise concerns — to leave it to this point in time is ludicrous.” His views were backed by both independent Ronnie Ahlfeld and Lib Dem Kenny Shepherd.

The council have vowed to review the new parking scheme after a year and say they will listen to feedback from the public about it.