Can survey help Lang Toon’s parking woes?

Nov 25 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A SOLUTION to a long-running problem over what to do about parking in a south Perthshire town could be on the horizon.

The potential resolution to the difficult impasse in Auchterarder is being made possible due to a survey to be carried out over the next few weeks.

The well-documented problems in the Lang Toon’s High Street, where there is no fee for on-street parking and high demand for spaces, could be looked at again as part of the study, councillors were told on Wednesday.

The issue was brought up by Cllr Murray Lyle as members discussed parking issues around Perth and Kinross as part of the enterprise and infrastructure committee meeting.

Cllr Lyle said he felt money generated from the increased parking fees to be introduced across council parking next year should be used to find a solution to the Lang Toon’s parking nightmare.

And he was told by vice-convenor Ann Gaunt council officers were poised to survey Auchterarder in the next few weeks.

The parking saga was also commented on by Environment depute director Jim Irons, said he would be glad to leave the problem behind when he leaves the council.

But, in addressing councillors, he said if there was a solution to be found, perhaps with someone offering land for parking, the council could be minded to buy it.

And, vice-convenor and Mr Irons also said the survey might help come up with an answer to the problem such as on street pay and display parking because of the high level of competition for spaces.

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PARKING problems in Blairgowrie appear set to be alleviated by plans to bar motorists from stopping in certain areas.

The new traffic orders, supported by members of PKC’s enterprise and infrastructure committee on Wednesday, will cover the Riverside and Ericht Court areas, where residents have complained about inconsiderate parking.

But, councillors also heard that while these would be enforced by dedicated wardens, it would only account for at least two days a week, according to a council officer.

The report before councillors explained that residents in the areas suffered because of their proximity to Blairgowrie town centre which led to people parking near to homes built on the former Cooperative warehouse site.

Two consultations have been carried out on the proposals to introduce no waiting time restrictions, with support expressed in February and June this year.

Councillors agreed to back the proposals which will see the restrictions extended in Upper and Lower Mill streets, as well as provide disabled parking in Upper Mill Street and for Riverside Park to be made no waiting at any time.