A previously delayed plan to expand pay-and-display parking in Hamilton will come into effect this summer.

According to a Corporation of Hamilton spokesman the city will be divided into three pay-and-display zones, with costs per hour varying from $1 to $2, starting on August 18.

While the cost to park in some areas will remain unchanged, the move will reduce the price to park on some streets and introduce parking rates in some areas of the city where parking had previously been free.

Under the scheme, parking in Zone 1 — which included Front Street, Reid Street, Church Street and all roads in between — will cost $2 per hour.

Zone 2 parking will cover all streets between Church and Dundonald Street, including Dundonald itself, and will cost $1.50 an hour.

And Zone 3 parking will include all streets between Dundonald and North Street, costing $1 an hour.

Parking at Bulls Head and Elliot Street car parks will be reduced to $5 per day, with users being charged $1 an hour for the first five hours and no further charges after that period.

Easy Park meters and pay-and-display tickets will continue to be in use within these car parks, and will be adjusted to reflect the new price structure.

Chief Operating Officer and Secretary to the City of Hamilton Edward Benevides said: “Signs will be erected around the City to ensure motorists will know which parking zone they are in.

“In order to avoid being clamped or ticketed motorists are urged to read the signage on the sidewalks and in car parks before they park and leave their vehicles.”

The plan was unveiled last September, with Mr Benevides saying at that time it was expected to roll out before the end of October 2013 to increase revenues for the municipality.

The move was later delayed after questions were raised about the parking ordinance.

Full details of the new scheme are available on the Corporation’s website.