Council reports ‘positive response’ to parking restriction plans

A campaign to raise awareness of parking restrictions and enforcement throughout East Dunbartonshire is continuing, with hundreds of people expected to attend drop-in meetings.

Public events have already been held in Milngavie, Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs and Lennoxtown.

Feedback so far has been positive as council officers work to bring drivers up to speed in a bid to increase safety and help them avoid being penalised.

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The new Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) regime begins on April 2 - with drivers who flout restrictions facing fines.

Strathclyde Police withdrew traffic wardens in 2011, with 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 approved the application to transfer enforcement powers.

From April 2, the council’s Community Wardens will be responsible for issuing Penalty Charge Notices for violation of parking restrictions.

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

A series of drop-in meetings have already been held and continue at Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre on Saturday on March 22 from 10am to 1pm and Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome on Saturday, March 29 from 10am to 1pm.

Information is also available from community hubs, libraries, leisure centres and online - www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of the council’s Development and Regeneration Committee, said: “Early indications suggest there has been a positive response in the main to the forthcoming Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) scheme.

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“I am pleased that people continue to support the need for parking issues to be addressed across East Dunbartonshire.

“More than 110 people attended the first three events and there was a general consensus that action was needed - particularly in town centres.

“The decision to introduce DPE was agreed by councillors across the political spectrum, with support from the public during consultation last year.

“Police officers have done their best to address parking issues since traffic wardens were withdrawn by Strathclyde Police in 2011, but there’s no doubt that something needs to be done to ensure parking restrictions are adhered to.

“This is not an exercise to generate money for the authority. Any fines levied will be used to sustain the DPE scheme - targeting inconsiderate parking and improving road safety for all.”