Parking in East Dunbartonshire: learn the facts at information session

Dunbartonshire.

Drivers who flout parking restrictions in East Dunbartonshire’s towns and villages will face fines from April 2 when a new era begins for local roads.

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.

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 are at:

Milngavie Town Hall - March 11, 10am to 1pm,

Bearsden Burgh Hall - March 11, 3pm to 5.30pm,

William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch - March 12, 10am to 1pm,

Bishopbriggs Library - March 14, 10am to 1pm,

Allander Leisure centre - March 15, 10am to 1pm,

Lennoxtown Library - March 17, 2pm to 4.30pm,

Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre - March 22, 10am to 1pm,

Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome - March 29, 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.

“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“Traffic wardens were withdrawn by the Police in 2011 and have been missed in our town centres.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.”

DPE will be carried out by the council’s team of community wardens whose responsibilities will also include community safety and environmental issues, such as dog fouling, littering, smoking control, operating the Anti-social Behaviour Night Noise Service and supporting youth diversionary activities.

As well as town centres, DPE gives the council the potential in future to focus on other hotspots - including schools and railway stations.

Anyone parking in a disabled bay without a valid ‘blue badge’ is liable to be fined.