Changes are to be made in a bid to resolve a Dumfries car park charges row.
Local parliamentarian Alister Jack raised concerns about hefty penalties being imposed on drivers who, even briefly, used a former auction mart site, off the town's Whitesands.
He received complaints from local motorists disputing charge notices they received averaging around £60 for not paying a camera-generated fee at the time, through a cashless phone transaction.
The system introduced by a national parking management company on behalf of the commercially - operated car park's owners relies on drivers paying using a downloaded mobile phone app.
But according to the Dumfries and Galloway MP and Scottish Secretary, a combination of poor signage, close proximity to free council parking spaces and dark winter nights, together with a lack of awareness about the app, contributed to constituents falling foul of the new system.
Mr Jack raised the issue with the car park owners, D&G Homes, a subsiduary of Loreburn Housing, and has now received an assurance that changes will be made to the charging system.
In a response to the MP, Loreburn's chief executive Lorraine Usher, states: "D&G Homes Board has agreed to several actions, including improved lighting, more regular inspections to ensure the safety of the site and additional signage to ensure parking charges are transparent.
"In support of local trade and activity, the Board were also agreeable to the proposal of the first 30 minutes of parking being free, and this has been agreed with the management company and will soon be implemented.
"We hope this will encourage regular turnover and, for anyone looking to stay longer, they have the choice of paying to park or the option of any of the other free facilities located close by.
"The Board will keep this under review but I am confident they will want to continue their support of this approach."
However, Ms Usher continues: "Concerning the charge notices received by your constituents, I’m afraid D&G Homes are not in a position to revoke these.
"I would encourage anyone to appeal the notice with the company directly, details of which can be found online on their website uk-carparkmanagement.co.uk "
Mr Jack welcomed the housing association's response but stated he planned to seek further clarification as to why D&G Homes could not ask the management company to waiver the parking charge notices during 'a period when there was obvious local confusion.'