Parking charges to resume soon in East Dunbartonshire

Parking patrols are to resume in East Dunbartonshire following a five-month suspension because of the coronavirus crisis.

The local authority said the decision has been taken as traffic levels rise to more typical levels.

In common with the majority of Scottish local authorities, all parking management and Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) activity was suspended in East Dunbartonshire at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in March.

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In recent weeks and as a first phase, the council said Community Wardens have being carrying out DPE patrols on an advisory basis. The focus of these patrols has been town centres and the school estate, to coincide with pupils returning.

During the second phase, from Monday, August 17, DPE patrols will result in PCNs being issued where contraventions occur in on-street locations across the whole council area.

In addition to dealing with contraventions of existing restrictions around the school estate, the Community Wardens will also be enforcing the new Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) which have been introduced near schools to increase safety and allow for physical distancing.

Finally, the third phase, from Monday September 14, will see the return of off-street parking charges and full enforcement for all on-street and off-street contraventions.

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From this date, Bishopbriggs Kemure car park will also be coming into operation as a charging car park.

Joint council leader Vaughan Moody, said: “The delayed pace of this phased return has been designed to help support the return to school of our pupils and also the return to work of our residents and visitors to our local businesses.

“However, we must now look to ensure parking is safe within our town centre locations.

“The resumption has been planned in a carefully phased way with timescales being developed using guidance from the Scottish Government, British Parking Association and COSLA.”

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Joint council leader Andrew Polson, added: “Transport is one of the most important factors in ensuring we continue to control the virus and save lives as lockdown restrictions lift.

“Demand for town centre parking is likely to rise significantly. At the same time, public transport may not be suitable for vulnerable groups and traffic management is more important than ever.”

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