SCOTTISH Borders Council is to use social media to remind motorists that parking charges in the popular Abbey car park in Melrose are now levied all year round.

And, despite being extensively reported in the Border Telegraph over the past year, that change in policy has caught out many drivers who believed that parking was still free from November 1.

Margaret Henderson from Selkirk was indignant to discover a £10 ticket slapped on her vehicle after a short stay at the car park, run jointly be SBC and Historic Scotland, last Wednesday.

“I had no idea they had changed the rules and thought there must have been a mistake,” said Mrs Henderson.

“When I got home and phoned the council to complain, I was told that similar penalties had been issued to six other motorists last week alone.

“I was also told that the sign at the car park had been adjusted, but it’s a pity there was no-one there to keep motorists right when such a radical change is implemented.”

A spokesperson for SBC confirmed that until this year, parking charges had only been levied between April 1 or Easter – whichever is earliest – and October 31.

“The parking charges in Melrose Abbey car park are now all year round,” said the spokesperson.

“This followed a request from local businesses through Melrose Community Council who felt that short-term parking spaces were not available due to the use of the car park for long-term parking throughout the winter period.

“The proposals were approved by the Eildon Area Forum at its meeting on August 20 and were advertised in the local press as well as on on-site notices.

“The council’s webpage has now been updated and Facebook and Twitter messages will be issued to further publicise the change for the local community and visitors.”

It is a year since the Border Telegraph revealed that the community council supported a public consultation on the introduction of all-year-round charging at the Abbey car park..

“Anything which can be done to encourage visitors to stay should be welcomed,” said community council chairman Willie Windram at the time. “Parking is becoming an increasing problem now that the public know the traffic wardens are gone.”

In agreeing to amend the relevant Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in August, the area forum heard that no objections or comments had been received from members of the public during two consultation exercises earlier this year.

Councillors heard that the costs of advertising the TRO, along with new signage, was £2,000.