Parking charge bid for west end streets

Drivers may have to pay up in attempt to free up spaces

Drivers will be forced to cough-up for parking in west end streets if plans for fresh restrictions are approved.

Renfrewshire Council wants to implement pre-paid and permit controls on roads surrounding Oakshaw.

Families have called for a permit scheme to be introduced to cut the number of university teachers and students and shoppers stopping outside homes.

Infrastructure chiefs set-out the proposals in a report before councillors yesterday.

It stated: “Over a number of years, pressure on parking has increased in Oakshaw Street West and West Brae through parking associated with commuters and the university, resulting in a request from the local residents’ community group for on-street pay and display parking and inclusion in the Paisley Residents’ Parking Scheme.

“The proposed extension of Parking Zone 2 consists of short stay on-street parking, fronting the dwellings on Oakshaw Street West, Oakshaw Head and West Brae and yellow line restrictions at narrow sections of Oakshaw Street West to help traffic flow.”

Motorists will be able to park up to four hours in the area, with weekends free of charge.

It will cost 30p to park for each half an hour, with those living nearby entitled to two free permits per household.

Visitors will be required to display passes, while firms can also apply for exemption.

The report added: “A traffic regulation order allows local authorities to impose restrictions on traffic for reasons such as road safety, the free flow of traffic and parking controls.

“Parking cont rols in Renfrewshire have been in place for many years involving a combination of yellow line waiting restrictions and pay and display parking for on-street parking and for offstreet car parks.

“This proposal will allow for better management of parking at these locations for the benefit of residents who do not have access to off street parking.

“At present, residents at this location are adversely affected by commuter parking.”

In 1997, roads within Paisley town centre were pedestrianised.

Local authority bosses say this has led to a reduction in on-street spaces.

Extending the scheme means the restrictions will apply from Glen Street in the north, south to Stow Brae and from Clarence Street in the east to Queen Street.

Residents will be consulted on the plans, with the decision resting with the Infrastructure, Land and Environment board or an independent reporter if objections are lodged.

No time frame has been set out for the mooted changes, with those living in the area expected to be canvassed in the coming months.