North Ayrshire Council are to introduce a number of initiatives to tackle the issue of car parking in its towns.

Residents will be consulted on the proposals which aim to ease traffic floor and solve parking issues.

In a report, which was approved by the local authority earlier this week, a series of measures was outlined to help manage the availability of parking in North Ayrshire towns, including the provision of additional car parking areas.

In Irvine, a further 130 spaces are set to be provided at a new car park behind the Aldi supermarket in East Road, while 70 more spaces have been created for rail travellers at a new car park at Irvine station.

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However, the report also stressed a need to promote sustainable travel in the form of bus, train and cycle use.

Other proposals include a programme of ensuring car parks are well-maintained and fit for purpose, improvements to pedestrian routes between car parks and key destinations, plus safety and security upgrades around car parks with the possibility of CCTV installation.

Councillor Tony Gurney, North Ayrshire Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "This is a thorough report that addresses the problems faced by all towns in Scotland because of the ever-increasing use of cars.

"Many people think the answer to car parking problems in towns is to create more car parks. We already have a wealth of car parks in North Ayrshire but this report shows that these areas could be laid out better with improved signposting."

He continued: "We must also work towards the promotion of other kinds of travel and the Council has an extensive programme in place to develop public transport options.

"In places like Irvine, where people are moving into the town centre because of their jobs, the priorities for car parking are changing. The new car parks in East Road and Harbour Road will accommodate more vehicles but also allow a full review of the town's facilities to take place."

(JP/MH)