Pay and Display parking charges now in force at Cairngorms National Park’s most popular beauty spot

Parking charges have come into force at the Cairngorms’ most popular beauty spot.

The traffic control measure by Loch Morlich has long been lined up on safety grounds especially at peak summer times.

Local Highland councillors had warned it was just a matter of time before there was a serious accident or worse at Glenmore because of the congestion and traffic arrangements.

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But the move was slowed down somewhat when Highland Council was forced to dilute its proposals last summer following a public backlash.

As part of that the costs of the parking tickets have been lowered from the charges originally proposed and a new bottom rate three hours stay for £3 introduced rather than the previously proposed one hour of parking for £2.

A Highland Council spokeswoman confirmed this morning: “Pay & Display charges are in operation and resident rates will be available shortly.”

One of the biggest climbdowns was an end to a proposed ban on overnight parking at the new Pay and Display bays.

Much of the Glenmore stretch of the Cairngorm ski road will be paid for parking with the rest of the route being designated as no waiting zones.

There will be a discounted parking permit for residents of Badenoch and Strathspey.

The Pay and Display restrictions will be in force from Spring to the end of October.

The initial public consultation on the parking plans provoked a big backlash with 83 objections eventually being lodged

Shane Manning, the local authority’s principal traffic officer, later told local Highland councillors the restrictions had been ‘altered and reduced in severity’ from the original proposals as a result.

On the reason for the move, council officials have said: “Due to increased demand by visitors to the C1126 lochside area of Glenmore, officers were asked to introduce traffic management provisions to tackle inappropriate parking and measures for managed parking on the roadside.”

Well over one million people visit the Glenmore area every year.

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