Metered parking bays have been deserted by city commuters in an effort to avoid shelling out for a parking space.

Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council raised the issue with Barnhill and West Carse councillor Peter Barrett in response to complaints from local residents who claim streets in the Barnhill ward are being over-run by motorists, dubbed “free-parkers”.

Metered parking and yellow line restrictions introduced in Perth’s Commercial Street, Riverside and Gowrie Street have led to the displacement of commuter parking, problems of congestion and other road safety hazards to nearby streets farther from the city centre.

“The introduction of charges has caused commuter parkers to look for free parking elsewhere in Brompton Terrace, Dupplin Terrace and further up the hill,” said councillor Barrett. This has caused access problems for residents and increased road safety hazards on school routes used by local pupils.”

Councillor Barrett said it could be to the benefit of all for the council to revisit its parking charges.

“The on-street, pay-parking spaces now appear to be empty during the day, which suggests that a revised schedule of parking charges could produce greater income to the council,” he said.

“It might also ease the problems caused by free-parkers elsewhere in the vicinity.”

The councillor said he had asked Perth and Kinross to consider reducing charges for Riverside and Commercial Street.

He also suggested having only a token payment or the first half-hour free for both Gowrie Street and Back Wynd car park to make shopping at Bridgend more attractive.

The review of parking charges and durations will be carried out in February.

Councillor Barrett invited residents to let Perth and Kinross Council have their views to ensure all options are considered.