To have a heart over unloading in King St

Businesses owners in one of Stirling’s top streets for parking tickets are calling for more flexibility when it comes to parking in loading bays.

Businesses in King Street say that Stirling Council traffic wardens have regularly slapped parking tickets on to vehicles as they load and unload outside of their premises.

David McDonald, from Burgh Coffee House, King Street, said he had repeatedly had to contact Stirling Council to have tickets overturned after receiving a fine for unloading stock.

His latest ticket came on Friday (December 8) afternoon.

Mr McDonald contacted the Observer following our story on Wednesday, in which we revealed the top five hotspots for parking tickets in Stirling.

King Street has seen 267 tickets issued since decriminalised parking enforcement came into force on May 3.

Murray Place, Barnton Street, Upper Craigs, King Street and Baker Street made up the top five locations.

Mr McDonald said: “It’s a real hassle when you are trying to run a business and stock up and you come out to find a ticket on the vehicle.

“I haven’t had to pay one yet, but you still have to contact the council and go through the process of getting it overturned.

“I know there are other businesses who feel the same.”

Keith Ewing, from clothing store Number Eight, says he had not yet been hit with a parking ticket, but called for more tolerance for traders parking in loading bays.

Mr Ewing said: “There has to be more flexibility. I think that perhaps there need to be a sit down with Stirling Council, the wardens and the businesses and discuss this.

“Sometimes I’ll put a note on my car and within minutes you have a warden there asking if I’m going to be long. There just needs to be a little common sense.”

Stirling Council said owners who can show that they are loading or unloading their vehicle will be shown leniency.

A spokesperson added: “Vehicles parked in ‘Goods Vehicles Only’ bays with no sign of loading will be given a grace period for the driver to return. Drivers who demonstrate that they are loading or unloading their vehicle are allowed to continue, however, if there is no sign of loading, Parking Enforcement Officers may issue a ticket.

“We would encourage anyone who has a query on a parking ticket to contact us directly using the contact details provided on the ticket.”

Any vehicle found to be in contravention of any parking restriction will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £60.

This will be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days or increased to £90 if ignored.