Correspondence on Alternative Proposals
Letter to Steven Purcell (Council leader)
Dear Councillor Purcell
West End Parking Controls
I am writing on behalf of the Metered Parking Action Group to request a meeting with you at a mutually convenient time. We would like to discuss the disastrous effects of the parking restrictions that have been recently implemented in the West End. In addition, we have drawn up an alternative scheme, which we hope will provide a basis for constructive dialogue as to the way forward.
As expected, these restrictions have not solved the problem of commuter parking, but have simply transferred it in to areas that did not previously have a problem. The situation has also been greatly exacerbated, with virtually the same numbers of cars now squeezing in to a smaller area. This results in cars parking on every inch of available space, including pavements, corners, double yellow lines and in private car parks. There appears to be no policing of this situation, resulting in drivers behaving even more irresponsibly. Meanwhile, in the immediate vicinity of this chaos, there are deserted streets lined with meters and parking bays.
At a public meeting organised by our group on 10 June, over 400 local people attended at extremely short notice, with many others sending their apologies. The Council officials present were asked to arrange for Robert Booth to meet with a small deputation from our group. That meeting never transpired, despite a follow up telephone call to Mr Booth’s secretary.
Our group has continued to be active over the summer months, raising awareness and speaking to local people to find out their views on the Council’s proposals. There are approximately 1500 signatures on our petition to the Scottish Executive and we have nearly 200 members on our e-mail list, with new people joining all the time. There is a lot of anger and frustration amongst residents and local business people at the way these schemes have been imposed by the Council with virtually no community involvement.
Our group fully recognises the need for some kind of parking controls in certain parts of the West End, but thriving local communities cannot be treated as the city centre. Each community is different and there is no "one size fits all" parking scheme that can be applied without devastating consequences on community life.
It is not a solution for the Council to simply install more parking meters in any area that experiences problems. The aim must be to develop effective schemes for dealing with determined car commuters in ways that do not have a negative impact on community life. This will require more creative and imaginative thinking than we have seen from the Council to date. It will also require two way dialogue between officials and local communities, with officials being prepared to listen to local people, making use of their local knowledge and involving them in the decisions that have such an impact on their daily lives.
To begin this process, we would greatly appreciate if you would agree to meet with two or three representatives from our group. I appreciate that you have an extremely busy schedule, but given the importance of this issue and the current chaos that now exists as a result of these parking controls, I trust that you will agree to our request with a degree of urgency.
Response from Steven Purcell
"WEST END PARKING CONTROLS
I refer to your letter dated 19 September 2005 regarding the above.
I note your request to meet with me to discuss an alternative scheme that has been drawn up by your group. However in the first instance, it would be helpful if you could provide me with details of your scheme in writing for perusal.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding this suggestion."
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Metered Parking Action Group