PLANS TO INCREASE PARKING TIMES
One hour proposal after community push
Plans to double the length of time motorists can park in Blairgowrie are set to go before committee on Wednesday this week.
The proposals to increase the times of the limited waiting restriction from 30 minutes to one hour have been recommended for approval by council officers and will be considered by Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee following requests from the local community.
The move comes after local elected councillors for the area, supported by Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council and local traders, requested the increase in order to attract visitors and generate an increase in business in the town.
Parking in a number of streets would be affected by the change, including Allan Street, Bank Street,
Brown Street, Croft Lane, Ericht Lane, Blairgowrie High Street, Rattray High Street, Leslie Street, Perth Street, Reform Street and the Wellmeadow.
It is also proposed that the loading bay in Allan Street is removed and replaced with parking spaces.
Should the proposals be approved by the committee, the formal procedure to vary the traffic regulation orders for the affected roads will be triggered.
Morag Young, chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council and a local business owner, said: “I very much welcome these long overdue changes and updates to our town’s parking.
“The increase in on-street parking to one hour should help shoppers and businesses alike, and help bring us closer to being competitive with other towns in the wider area.”
Local Conservative councillor for Blairgowrie and the Glens, Caroline Shiers, added: “I think this is a welcome first step.
“I would though want it kept under review to ensure we get the best out of these changes. I have also been in contact with PKC regarding a review of all parking in the town centre to ensure we can free up as much space as possible to encourage people to use the High Street and other businesses in the town centre.’’
Meanwhile, work to install a new puffin crossing on Perth Road in Blairgowrie is due to get under way on Wednesday, March 8.