PLANS to revamp Inverclyde's parking rules have been unveiled by the council.

The proposed changes are being billed as a bid to simplify a system which has attracted anger from motorists and caused confusion due to inconsistencies.

The plans include the introduction of a new disc zone in Port Glasgow, changes to restrictions in Gourock and Greenock - and the return of parking discs in Kilmacolm where they were scrapped after opposition from traders and members of the public.

The local authority says it wants to standardise parking restrictions across the area and that the proposals have been developed after feedback from the public and businesses.

If changes are agreed they will affect Kilmacolm, Gourock, Port Glasgow and Greenock centres where there are currently on-street restrictions.

A two-hour maximum free stay zone will be in operation in designated areas in each centre from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.

Other areas will also require a parking disc to be displayed, and new free-of-charge parking areas will be added.

A sliding scale of charges would be introduced for council-owned 'pay and display' car parks, allowing up to two hours free parking with a charge of between £1 and £4 afterwards depending on the duration that cars stay.

Residents' permit-holders and people with blue badges would be exempt from this new system.

Parking in the 'pay and display' zones is currently free until September 1 following the pandemic, but drivers would normally be charged a flat rate of £2 to park all day.

A consultation seeking the views from individuals and businesses has now launched and will run until August.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “We know that parking restrictions can vary between our town and village centres and can be confusing.

"The aim here is to standardise the rules right across Inverclyde to make it simpler for locals, businesses and visitors to know what the regulations are and act accordingly no matter where they are parking.

“These proposed changes also create more free spaces for people to make use of, provide greater choice over the length of stay, and exempt residents’ permit and blue badge holders to ensure they can still access parking easily.

“While these changes are based on feedback from residents, visitors and traders, it is important that as many people as possible who may be affected by the proposals get the opportunity to have their say before any final decisions are made.

"I encourage individuals and businesses to take part in this consultation and help us in our efforts to improve parking in Inverclyde.”

The consultation can be found online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/yoursay