CAR parking charges look set to make a comeback in Inverclyde after being suspended throughout the pandemic.

Drivers have not had to pay to leave their vehicles in off-street car parks for almost two years.

But as the country returns to normality, the moratorium looks set to end in a few weeks, according to papers prepared for this week’s meeting of the council’s environment and regeneration committee.

On-street charges were also pulled during the pandemic, but they were reinstated in June last year.

Covid-19 restrictions have been gradually lifted throughout this year since the outbreak of the Omicron variant over the Christmas period.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week that vaccination passports would no longer be needed for entry into the likes of nightclubs and large events and people will not be legally required to wear face coverings from March 21.

Municipal Buildings bosses are now poised to switch pay and display machines back on from April 1.

A committee report states: 'It was agreed to extend pay and display charging suspension in town centre car parks until the end of March 2022.

'As the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed and the message from the Scottish Government is for employers to encourage hybrid working, it is likely that more people will commute to the town and village centres.

“It is therefore proposed to reintroduce parking charges on 1 April 2022.

'This will encourage turnover within the town centre car parks and support access to town centre businesses and amenities.'

Back in March 2020 the council launched a consultation on bringing charges into car parks in Fore Street and Shore Street in Port Glasgow.

This was paused following the arrival of the pandemic but eventually agreed later that year and the traffic regulation order was made last month.

People will be required to pay to use these car parks if councillors rubber-stamp the return of off-street charges at Thursday's meeting.