Bid to boost parking times in town centre
Community Council consultation
Proposals have been put forward on changing parking times in Bridge of Allan’s main street.
It follows a survey of town traders carried out by Jam Jar Cafe owner Simon Littlejohn last year which found a majority of respondents favoured an increase to a 60-minute waiting time in Henderson Street.
A petition sheet with the names of 736 individuals – visitors and residents alike – also supported a revision to a minimum of 60 minutes with some favouring 90 minutes.
In addition, a Bridge of Allan Community Council Facebook survey found that 46 supported increasing Henderson Street waiting times from 30 minutes to 60 minutes while six favoured 30 minutes, and five a mixture of 30 and 60 minutes.
At the community council meeting last Tuesday member Joanne Chisholm presented proposals that 30-minute restrictions be retained on parking spaces on the north side of Henderson Street with a 60-minute waiting time on the south side of the street. Thirty or 60 minute restrictions were also suggested for Fountain Road.
She said: “It is suggested that providing a mix of 30 and 60 minute parking [on Henderson Street] will accommodate those who require a short stopping time to conduct their business like collecting a prescription or a newspaper and longer for those wishing to browse shops or have a coffee.”
Letters are to go out to traders on the proposals next month and Ms Chisholm said she hoped to report back at the community council’s March meeting on the matter.
Community council secretary Leslie Harkness stressed the parking restriction changes were not a decision for the community council but the public.
Other proposals include a two- to three-hour waiting restriction at the public car park beside the Co-op store with charges introduced for longer stays.
Mr Littlejohn had approached the community council for support after last year’s surveys had been conducted.
Town traders believe that an increase in parking times from 30 minutes will help boost business.