The council is looking to renew existing legislation limiting parking to just one hour.
A plea has been made for “devastating” parking rules to be relaxed in Castle Douglas.
King Street is currently subject to a one hour waiting restriction, which the council is looking to renew.
However, businesses and councillors believe that should be increased in a bid to help local traders.
A post on the Castle Douglas Meet the Street Facebook page stated: “This will be devastating to local cafés, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons. It will also inevitably impact other shops that people would normally visit after any of the aforementioned establishments.
“It seems very little consultation has been done, certainly no business impact assessment at all.
“And it begs the question as to what they will do about residents on King Street.
“No doubt they would need to introduce parking permits, which even if they start free, I would bet good money that they’ll be charging for within five years (as they do in most other places).
“At an absolute minimum, I think the waiting time should be 2.5 hours so businesses aren’t impacted and there should be a guarantee in writing that there will never be charges for residents permit parking.”
READ MORE: Dumfries-born Paralympian describes ‘really special’ feeling after receiving MBEREAD MORE: First phase of Kirkcudbright Parish Church Redevelopment Project set to be commissioned
The push for longer parking times has been backed by Castle Douglas and Crocketford councillors.
Councillor Iain Howie said: “I think this provides an ideal opportunity to review parking restrictions on King Street to ensure that they meet the needs of both businesses and the public.
“King Street has changed dramatically over the decades that the current restrictions have been in place, with a far greater provision of restaurants and cafes where customers want the opportunity to relax without the fear of getting a £100 parking ticket.
“There is no doubt that there are some who abuse the current situation by parking all day on the broken yellow lines and they will need to accept the consequences but I believe an extension on the current time limit would be acceptable to most and keep King Street the vibrant shopping venue it is.”
Councillor Pauline Drysdale added: “Successful town centres such as Castle Douglas have evolved to cope with changing habits over the years.
“Obviously, what was appropriate 30 to 40 years ago does not apply to the demands of our communities today.
“I’m relieved that elected members will be given the opportunity to recommend bespoke measures for our own particular town at a workshop planned with officers.
“Castle Douglas is a recognised shopping and eating venue for many and it’s essential that this is not lost by the imposition of stringent parking measures which acts against our rural communities.”
Locals also claim they weren’t told about the plans to renew the existing traffic regulation order (TRO), although a council spokesman said notices were posted before January 23, letters were posted to businesses and the community council and details were put online.
He added that the process was to renew existing legislation due to plans to replace the existing pedestrian crossing on King Street with a puffin crossing – something many locals have signed a petition against as it will result in a loss of parking.
Responses to either proposal will be considered at Stewartry area committee, with councillors also set to take part in a workshop as part of the regional parking strategy.
Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway.
A spokesman said: “The proposed TRO on King Street reflects what is already in place, however, there is a requirement to make a new TRO at this location due to the necessary requirement to upgrade the pedestrian crossing at this location in the interest of pedestrian safety.
The restriction quoted in the notice is ‘No Waiting At Any Time’, ‘No Waiting 9.30am–5.30pm, Monday to Saturday (inclusive)’ and ‘60 Minute Limited Waiting 9.30am–5.30pm, Monday–Saturday (inclusive) (No Return Within 60 Minutes)’, which is no change to the current restrictions in place at this location where signs are clearly placed the length of King Street stating that parking should only be for 60 minutes.
“The previous order was made in 2008 although it has not been regularly enforced by Police Scotland who are the parking enforcement authority in Dumfries and Galloway.
“This proposed TRO mirrors the restriction currently in place.”