Calls have been made to introduce Edinburgh-style residential parking permits to unclog the streets of Angus.
The call came following Angus Council discussion of a Transport Scotland document, Improving Parking in Scotland, which raised the possibility of banning pavement parking apart from loading-only outside businesses.
Arbroath councillor Derek Wann asked whether the local authority had considered introducing permits.
Head of property services Ian Cochrane said: “Resident parking is certainly a concern that’s been raised a number of times recently, since the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement, but it is quite onerous for the authority.
“Some councils have charged for permits, but that may raise the expectations of getting a parking space, or increased enforcement.
“It’s not something we have plans for at the moment but we are receptive to some of the feedback.
“We’ve certainly had requests for resident parking only in high streets and I think we really need to examine what our priorities are for parking in high streets.”
Two of the council’s new administration councillors, Conservatives Braden Davy and Councillor Wann, think the permits could build on the good work done by community wardens who have issued tickets since the beginning of May.
Mr Wann said: “Recently I have been approached by several constituents who stay on streets where 30-minute or one-hour parking is allowed.
“Obviously this is an issue for residents, and I think Angus Council should introduce residents’ parking permits in those instances.
“The parking enforcement officers were introduced to control illegal and irresponsible parking.
“We should offer residents the facility to be able to park if there is a space without having to worry every 30 minutes about moving their vehicle.
“I would stress that we would not be able to offer a private space.”
There is one council-administered parking scheme at Little Causeway in Forfar, but residents regard this as largely unsuccessful.
Councillor Davy said: “In my own ward of Forfar we have seen a number of residential properties affected, and across Angus people are being forced to move their cars in the morning or regularly in order to avoid getting a ticket.
“I’m pleased to have joined Councillor Wann at the meeting to ask for council officers to bring a briefing to the next meeting of our policy and resources committee as there are a range of options and models that we need to look at.
“A residential parking permit is something people would expect their council to look at, and whatever system is implemented, local residents and businesses need to be fully involved throughout the process.”
In its consultation document, Transport Scotland sets out what it sees as the main topics of concern such as pavement parking, parking at dropped kerbs, and the enforcement of spaces for the disabled.
The changes that are proposed to introduce or support the proposals within the consultation may require changes to current legislation and may also disadvantage some road users while trying to make parking simpler and safer for these vulnerable groups.
Monifieth and Sidlaws councillor Sheila Hands said pavement parking would introduce the need for “safe corridors” for the visually impaired, and asked for discussion with Guide Dogs and RNIB on how these could be recognised.
