Parking clampdown on the way

Wardens are on the road back in towns and villages across East Dunbartonshire to clamp down on drivers who flout parking restrictions.
Photo by Emma MitchellPhoto by Emma Mitchell
Photo by Emma Mitchell

A Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) scheme kicks off across the district on April 2.

East Dunbartonshire Council will be responsible for enforcing the new scheme and a series of drop-in public information events have been organised.

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Strathclyde Police withdrew traffic wardens locally in 2011, with police officers responsible for parking enforcement in the meantime.

Councillors agreed the authority should take on parking control duties - previously carried out by traffic wardens - and the Scottish Government has approved the council’s application to transfer enforcement powers.

Police will continue to deal with vehicles causing an obstruction, but the council’s community wardens will be responsible for issuing Penalty Charge Notices for violation of parking restrictions.

Drivers who flout parking restrictions face a fine of £60 - reduced to £30 if paid within a fortnight.

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A series of drop-in information events are being held in East Dunbartonshire. Information will also be available in community hubs, libraries, leisure centres and online.

The public meetings include: nWilliam Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch - 12 March, 10am to 1pm; Bishopbriggs Library - 14 March, 10am to 1pm; Lennoxtown Library - 17 March, 2pm to 4.30pm; Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre - 22 March, 10am to 1pm; Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome - 29 March, 10am to 1pm; Milngavie Town Hall- 11 March, 10am to 1pm; Bearsden Burgh Hall- 11 March, 3pm to 5.30pm; Allander Sports Centre - 15 March, 10am to 1pm.

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of the council’s development and regeneration committee, said: “These drop-in events are focused on giving out information and leaflets to help local motorists park safely and considerately - and to avoid costly fines.

“Other sessions may be arranged depending on demand.The decision to introduce DPE has been agreed by councillors across the political spectrum, with support from the public during consultation last year.

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“The council is committed to DPE to reduce inconsiderate and dangerous parking, and improve road safety for all. Traffic wardens were withdrawn by the police in 2011 and have been missed in our town centres.

“Police officers have done their best to address parking issues in the meantime, but it is simply unsustainable to allow the situation to continue.

“Anyone who visits our town centres will know that parking is a problem, with less considerate drivers parking in disabled spaces and on yellow lines. For everyone’s safety and convenience, we need to be in a position to be able to address these issues.”