THERE was some good news for shoppers this week as the car park at the Kingsgate Centre is reducing its charges from today.

A simplified system will bring in just two rates which means that the cost of leaving your car there for 24 hours is now cheaper than the previous price of two hours.

It will cost £2 to park for up to an hour and it will now be £3.50 for all-day parking. It used to cost £6.

APCOA, who manage the car park, announced the change and said they hoped it would attract more shoppers and visitors to the Kingsgate and surrounding area.

They said the price cuts will put more money directly into the pockets of 61 per cent of visitors.

Trials of the new rate on Saturdays have shown that the volume of visitors to the car park increased by 21 per cent. That pattern would obviously bring welcome footfall for local businesses in Dunfermline.

Spokesperson Kim Challis said: “APCOA supports the communities we work in, that’s why we’re delighted to reduce our rates to save shoppers money and boost local business as more people come to Dunfermline.”

Neil G Mackie, Centre Manager at the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our car park operator, APCOA, have taken the bold move in reviewing car park tariffs at the Kingsgate Centre.

"Whilst being a completely separate business to the Kingsgate Centre, I am very conscious that the car park is a service to our customers and am pleased to see a different charging structure which will offer better value and encourage customers to stay longer to enjoy the Kingsgate and wider Dunfermline experience. I am in regular dialogue with APCOA and welcome all initiatives which will increase our customers’ experience.”