From the 14th of May, motorists will no longer be able to pay for parking by credit or debit card.

The move will affect all parking places that are owned and operated by Aberdeenshire Council. The council have blamed the change on new legislation relating to card security, meaning that the currently used machines would need to be altered and upgraded at a “high cost” to the council.

Cash payments and mobile phone payments through the RingGo app will still be available. The current tariff structure was introduced to encourage economic activity in town centres, and while the number of visits has increased, the council now loses a significant sum of money.

Aberdeenshire Council Officers have been seeking views on the possibility of: removing free parking periods, increasing charges, changing the times fees are payable and the car parks where charges apply.

It costs the council to provide and maintain car parks across the area, including the employment of enforcement staff, upkeep and the payment of Business Rates.

Currently, car parks operate at a loss of around £140,000 a year, and the council wants to get closer to a position where they cover their own costs, as they have in the past.

More information on cashless payments can be found here.