Selfish drivers ‘could delay our 999 services’
Councillors hit out over kerbside parking
LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER
Two councillors have hit out at inconsiderate drivers in Renfrewshire, warning that their dodgy parking could cause access problems for emergency services.
Councillors Jim Sheridan and James MacLaren say there are issues with double parking in Linwood and Bishopton.
Parking in the former’s Arran Place has meant larger vehicles, such as bin lorries, have caused damage to a grass verge because they have been forced to drive on to it to get past other cars.
Councillor Sheridan, whose ward is Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, has asked Renfrewshire Council to complete an assessment on car parking facilities and write to residents asking them to reconsider their own arrangements.
He said: “I would like to think the council would carry out an assessment of what kind of car parking facilities there are and find out the reasons why bin lorries can’t get down the street.
“They should take any actions necessary to try and resolve this situation.
“Equally so, I’m concerned about emergency vehicles trying to get down here to a fire or to try and attend to somebody.
“They need access and they need it quickly.
“They don’t have time to be waking people up to move their cars.”
Councillor MacLaren says the answer to the issue is for the council to implement parking restrictions, with Bishopton experiencing similar problems in Gledstane Road.
The village’s Station Road is also regularly blighted by cars parking on pavements, making it difficult for pedestrians to get past.
Councillor MacLaren, representing Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, said: “The parking situation at Gledstane Road is of huge concern to residents, who have rightfully complained about potentially dangerous parking on both sides of the street.
“With parking having been expanded at the railway station, there is no apparent need for parking to be used in this way on Gledstane Road.
“As one resident pointed out, we could soon be facing a situation where an emergency services vehicle is unable to pass by due to cars parked on both sides of the street.
“I am calling for parking restrictions to be put in place, which would be done in consultation with residents in order to try and reduce the significant parking issues at this spot in Bishopton.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “It’s important that motorists park safely and considerately to ensure that access to streets is maintained for all vehicles.
“Where issues are identified or raised with us, we will work with residents to identify the correct solution to alleviate any problems and consultation will be carried out in the area before any parking restrictions are put in place.
“We’ve recently introduced restrictions around Bishopton Rail Station and would be happy to revisit this area to see if additional measures are needed, as well as following a similar process for the area concerned in Linwood.”