Councillor threatens legal action over parking permits in city

A Dundee councillor has warned he could take legal action against the local authority in his fight for residents’ parking.

Fees came into effect in the West End this week but many local residents leave their cars in these areas due to a shortage of spaces near their homes.

The council has the power to introduce a parking permit scheme but has not done so.

Labour councillor Richard McCready said he would take legal action in a bid to force the council’s hand.

He said: “I will be writing... demanding that the council moves forward with plans for resident parking permits for the West End.

“This was previously voted for unanimously by councillors, however, as yet no action has taken place to provide residents’ permits.

“If nothing further happens I am prepared to take legal action to force the council to progress this.”

Jim Dryden, chairman of West End Community Council, said: “I am absolutely disgusted that these parking charges were voted through and have now come into effect and there is still not residents’ parking available in the West End.

“Car parks in the West End are empty because people are not prepared to pay the charges. Cars are instead parked on the streets, causing further congestion and making it ever more difficult for residents to park.

“Residents believe it would be much fairer if an annual parking charge of £60 was imposed. In effect, that would amount to just over £1 a week.

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “A report will be brought to the city development committee in the near future.”