NEW parking rules come into force on Monday for Inverclyde Council’s car parks in Gourock town centre.

It is part of the £5.2 million regeneration project, and means two choices for people using the facility on Lower Kempock Street.

The side closest to the swimming pool will provide Monday to Saturday free all-day parking – or it’s free spaces for up to three hours in the other, ‘eastern half’.

Local authority environment and regeneration convener Councillor Michael McCormick says there will be total space for around 160 vehicles.

He also promised plenty of signs to highlight the different rules.

Cllr McCormick hopes the car parks will help draw people into the town.

He said: “One of our key objectives in the redevelopment of Gourock town centre was to encourage visitors and shoppers into the area to enjoy the local shops, cafes and, of course, the outdoor swimming pool.

“The new car park arrangements will allow free all-day parking in the western half, closest to the pool, and up to three hours free parking in the eastern half.

“Vehicles in the eastern section must display a parking disc showing the time of arrival.”

Discs have been distributed to Gourock Library as well as local shops and businesses and they can be picked up free of charge.

Mr McCormick said: “They are identical to the discs already being used successfully in Greenock town centre, so, if people already have one, they can use it in the new Kempock Street East car park.”

Another two new car parks are offering paid-for facilities.

Starting on January 25, Station Road North and Station Road South - next to Gourock train station - will cost £1 a day from Monday to Saturday.

All of the other car parks in the Station Road area are privately owned and operated by Network Rail.

Cllr McCormick added: “Drivers should continue to check signs explaining any parking restrictions when leaving their vehicles.”