PARKING BAYS TO BE REMOVED?
Traffic congestion and air quality sparks move
Discussions are under way which could see several parking spaces removed from the centre of Crieff.
Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed talks are ongoing with Transport Scotland with a view to potentially removing bays in West High Street.
The mooted move is the result of traffic congestion and poor air quality being identified as priorities during a discussion on aspects of the Crieff Air Quality Action Plan, held at Strathearn Community Campus in February last year.
The council has stressed the potential removal of the bays is at “an early stage” and added that “all relevant parties would need to be consulted” before any final decision was given the green light.
In a statement, a local authori t y spokesperson told the Herald: “As part of the
Perth and Kinross Offer, we are committed to working with communities to improve the lives of residents.
“We carried out a community engagement event with Transport Scotland last year to consider what should be the priorities of the Crieff Air Quality Action Plan.
“Many residents said they believed the parking spaces on West High Street contributed to congestion and poor air quality.
“Transport Scotland is responsible for the A85 and we are now consulting with them over the potential removal of these spaces.
“However, these discussions are at an early stage and all relevant parties would need to be consulted before a final decision is made.”
David McCann is the manager of Crieff Succeeds, which seeks to improve the town’s fortunes on behalf of a significant number of Strath capital businesses.
He said:“As of yet we have not been advised of any imminent significant changes to the parking arrangements in West High Street, or indeed Crieff town centre.
“Prior to lockdown, we were engaged in discussions with Perth and Kinross Council around the overall road and traffic infrastructure
We are keen that there is a holistic approach to this issue
David McCann Crieff Succeeds
in and around the town, which included issues such as parking, as we are keen that there is a holistic approach to this issue.
“I would be eager to ensure that these discussions continue with a view to ensuring any solution has the economic prosperity and improved environmental conditions of Crieff town centre at its core.”
Transport Scotland is responsible for the A85 as a result of it being a trunk road.
A spokesperson said: “We have been approached by Perth and Kinross Council who are proposing that parking spaces on the A85 at West High Street in Crieff be removed to improve traffic flow in the area.
“As the road authority for the A85, this will require us to advise and assist the council regarding any amendments to parking restrictions on the trunk road and any changes to the enforcing order will include and require a statutory public consultation process.
“The council will be responsible for enforcing any restrictions which may be introduced.”
The council has stated previously that the Perth and Kinross Offer“is designed to involve local businesses, residents and organisations/groups more in the decisions affecting them.”