Parking madness

on Thursday afternoon.

Disgruntled council employees say they have been in the sights of wardens for a number of weeks but the number of visits has gradually increased.

The site is the base for the council cleaners and housing services staff.

One angry employee, who asked not to be named, said: “There are numbered parking bays for vehicles and people who should be parking in them aren’t using them, they are just parking around the car park.

“The traffic wardens have been coming in twice a day. There’s people that work there who are living on the breadline and they have been given £60 parking fines just before Christmas. It’s absolutely shocking. The council are essentially fining council employees for parking at their work. It’s ridiculous.

“The parking attendants are in there every day now and they are coming in pairs. On Thursday they came along, parked their van at the back of the place so they could sneak in. They must have handed out at least a dozen tickets, including to two council cars, with the Stirling Council logo across them. Employees are now afraid to come in to work in case they get fined.”

Council officials say the decision to enforce parking notices within council car parks has been taken as a health and safety precaution.

A spokesperson added: “To maintain access and minimise congestion, council car parks are subject to Traffic Regulation Orders and officers will take action against any vehicles parked inappropriately. Council staff are aware of this.

“Concerns have been raised by staff that irresponsible parking at council buildings could put other staff at risk due to congestion. The council takes all matters of health and safety seriously and we have taken steps to address the concerns of our staff.”

Last month, the Observer reported on the top streets in the council area for parking tickets, with Murray Place, Barnton Street, Upper Craigs, and King Street being named as the locations where the most amount of fines have been issued.