A COWDENBEATH councillor aired his concern that agreeing to a charge of £1 for use of the Halbeath Park and Ride facility could even open the door to charging for parking in the town.

Cowdenbeath Area Committee was asked to agree changes to the Traffic Order that operates within the car park at the Halbeath Park & Ride that would see the introduction of a £1 per 24 hour charge and fines for parking outwith bays, illicit parking in disabled bays and non-display of valid parking tickets.

Councillors at Cowdenbeath Area Committee on Wednesday discussed the implications of this change and agreed to promote this traffic order, but Councillor Darren Watt felt this could open the door to other charges perhaps affecting the town itself.

Councillors Alex Campbell and Gary Guichan were of the opinion that it was something that was necessary due the current constraints on the Fife Council budget.

Councillor Watt said: "I feel that this proposal is basically an opportunistic smash and grab act on commuters.

"If the charge had been implemented when the Park and Ride was opened then fair enough, but this has been part of the response to the council budget proposals.

"I fear that it could be the start of a slippery slope to charging for such things as parking at our three railway stations and perhaps even on Cowdenbeath High Street or in Lochgelly."

However, Councillor Campbell said: "We are under pretty severe restraints and this move, in the circumstances, could raise cash that could help close gaps."

And Councillor Guichan added: "In the current situation we have to do something to raise funds."

Committee chair, Councillor Linda Erskine said: "When the Park and Ride facility was built at Halbeath there was no charge to allow it to bed in.

"We are at a stage where difficult choices are having to be made and this is one which will see a significant sum raised to meet the running costs of the Park and Ride."

The Park & Ride complex currently costs approximately £170k per annum to operate and maintain this facility.

This includes the heated waiting areas, toilets and Electric Vehicle charging points. This charge would offset some of the running costs of the facility up to £130,000.

Customers will be able to pay at ticket machines or via the RingGo service by phone or the internet.

The £1 fee was agreed as a saving in the Fife Council Revenue Budget for 2018-2021.