Groups hit out at new restrictions
New parking restrictions on nine rural roads in Perth and Kinross have been branded “kneejerk”.
Ramblers Scotland and Mountaineering Scotland have united to condemn the move, which they say makes it “much harder” to visit several of the area’s best-known beauty spots, including Glen Lyon, Loch Tay, Loch Tummel and the iconic Munro, Schiehallion.
The measures were introduced after locals raised concerns about selfish drivers blocking roads when parking.
And one local councillor has challenged Ramblers Scotland and Mountaineering Scotland to “come forward with workable solutions” to the problem.
In a joint press release, both groups say the restrictions affect not just walkers and climbers, but will stop families, dog-walkers, picnickers, paddlers and anglers from parking responsibly near the roadside when the car parks are full.
They also say there is a lack of alternative parking or public transport options in the area.
Brendan Paddy, Ramblers Scotland director, said: “We completely condemn the irresponsible parking in rural Perthshire in recent months, but these kneejerk parking bans will prevent many considerate, lawabiding residents and tourists from enjoying the area’s wonderful countryside.
“We’re shocked by the lack of advance consultation with partners.
“We could have worked with Perth and Kinross Council to identify more sensible solutions to the challenge of helping people enjoy active and healthy days outdoors – such as enforcing existing parking laws and creating new parking and transport options.”
Mountaineering Scotland CEO Stuart Younie added: “This blunt prohibition on parking for visitors is in our opinion a failure to anticipate increased demand for access to the scenic hills and glens of Perthshire, and to effectively manage it.
“The use of traffic regulations to indirectly restrict countryside access sets a dangerous precedent we do not want to see repeated elsewhere, and we urge the council to rethink its approach.”
The restrictions, which will remain in place for 18 months, have been brought in at: C450 Kinloch Rannoch to Tomphubil; A827 Aberfeldy Road, Kenmore; C451 from the junction with the A827 Kenmore to
Aberfeldy road ; Pier Road, Kenmore; C448 Fortingall to Bridge of Balgie; B487 Calvine to Trinafour; A923 Blairgowrie to Dunkeld; C430 Loch Clunie to Mains of Clunie; C452 Foss to Pitlochry.
Councillor John Duff defended the restrictions and said: “It’s a real pity that the mountain climbers and hillwalkers had not acted more responsibly from the outset.
“Every weekend in recent weeks we have frequently seen cars parked nose to tail, often on both sides of the roads and verges and around corners, along large stretches of the roads in question.
“This has made the passage of vehicles precarious, caused drivers to have to reverse for long distances to find a passing place and generated significant local concern that ambulances and fire engines would not be able to reach them in an emergency.
“In many areas polite requests and signs asking vehicles not to park in these places were completely ignored. Consequently, local people asked for these temporary measures be put in place.
“The temporary orders are valid for a maximum of 18 months which will give Mountaineering Scotland and Ramblers Scotland time to come forward with workable solutions that will not see a return to this type of irresponsible behaviour in future.”
Fellow Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson said: “This is a temporary solution - it is not a silver bullet.
“There is a need to install additional infrastructure at popular locations and car parking is part of that. I’m really keen that we bring everyone together that has an interest in this and find a suitable solution.
“The sheer volume of visitors this year has pushed this to breaking point and we need to find a long-term solution.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Everybody has a right to enjoy Perth and Kinross’ beauty spots.
“However, due to an unprecedented number of visitors to areas such as Loch Clunie and Schiehallion this year, it has been necessary to introduce some temporary restrictions on parking in order to keep narrow rural roads clear for emergency and farm vehicles.
“We took this action in response to requests from the local communities and elected members.
“We have no wish to stop anyone visiting the countryside but ask that those who do are considerate of other road users and the people who live there.”