Expansion of Prestwick Airport parking permit scheme moves ahead after resident backing

Prestwick parking permit scheme could expand to 12 streets after residents back proposals.

Plans to expand residents’ parking restrictions across Prestwick are set to go before councillors after more than 60% of those directly affected responded to a consultation to back the proposals.

South Ayrshire Council is considering extending the town’s existing permit parking scheme in response to concerns about long-stay parking by airport users, commuters and other motorists.

A report to the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, October 27, recommends introducing residents’ parking arrangements across a revised group of streets.

The proposals follow an additional consultation exercise in August which attracted 361 responses.

Of those, 254 came from people who lived in, owned property or operated a business within the proposed extension area.

Among those directly affected, 154 supported the expansion, representing 60.6%.

A further 68, or 26.8%, opposed the changes, while 32 were undecided.

Council officers say the findings demonstrate support for additional parking controls, although views vary between individual streets.

Under the recommendations, the scheme would be progressed for Station Drive, Montgomerie Road, Queens Terrace, Midton Road, Briarhill Road, Caerlaverock Road, Boydfield Avenue, Morris Road, Berelands Road, Meiklewood Avenue and Newdykes Road.

Templerigg Street would also be included following representations from residents and consideration of the proposed scheme boundary.

However, officers recommend excluding Bridge Street, Cochrane Place, Annfield Road and Terrace, Bank Street and Midton Avenue at this stage.

Merrick Avenue would also remain outside the proposed extension, with parking conditions monitored for any displacement caused by the new restrictions.

Separate measures could be considered for Links Road, including waiting restrictions rather than residents’ permits alone.

The consultation highlighted concerns about motorists leaving vehicles in residential streets for extended periods while using Prestwick Airport or travelling by train.

Among directly affected respondents, 52.8% believed the proposals would reduce long-stay airport parking.

Meanwhile, 45.3% expected parking availability to improve, although only 37.4% believed parking would become easier.

The existing residents’ permit charge is £45, which the council says has remained unchanged since the scheme was introduced in 2016.

However, the charge was a significant concern for some respondents, with officers acknowledging that opposition was often related to the cost of permits rather than parking controls themselves.

The council has also consulted on removing the current two-permit-per-household limit, introducing £2 visitor permits and providing free permits for carers.

Enforcement emerged as another concern, with residents questioning whether restrictions would be effective without sufficient monitoring.

Officers say a separate review of parking enforcement arrangements is nearing completion.

The council’s report also warns that introducing restrictions in some streets could push long-stay parking into neighbouring areas.

If councillors agree the recommendations, the necessary Traffic Regulation Order procedures will continue, including any further required statutory consultation.

A final decision on making the order would follow the statutory process.

The proposals would therefore not take effect immediately following Cabinet approval.