‘Stop parking fees killing trade’
THOUSANDS of East End residents have backed a petition to save Baillieston Main Street.
Those behind the petition are calling for a grace period for parking charges which they say will encourage locals to shop there.
The shops in the area fear that the charges will have a detrimental effect on their business which could lead to closures or job losses.
The petition reads: “This is a petition to Glasgow City Council to request that there be a 30-minute period of free parking on Baillieston Main Street, then a small charge of no more than 50p for a further 30 minutes. In addition we would request there is a ‘no-return-withintwo-hour policy’.
“We have requested the above so customers are not put off or penalised for using Baillieston Main Street and supporting small locally owned businesses.
“We request that businesses which currently survive by operating a home delivery service be exempt from these charges, or at least be allowed to return within the two-hour period to collect orders. We have requested that delivery drivers be exempt as it is an integral and essential part of many businesses.”
Mark Simpson, who is manager of Marini’s chip shop, is one of the businesses backing the petition which has about 1,300 signatures on paper and more than 700 online.
He recognises that parking is a problem in Main Street but urges the council to consider the options proposed in the petition.
He said: “Businesses will definitely suffer and it will effect those who have home delivery.
“Parking is a problem in Baillieston but we need a better solution.
“The charges will definitely put people off coming here to shop.”
Councillor David Turner has also backed the petition. He said: “The main problem is not enough parking in the area. There appears to be a demand from local people and local community councils for an off-street car park to be created.
“There is plenty of vacant land, for example the old Baillieston Police Station to create such a car park.
“I would support such a scheme but cannot in all honesty support the scheme that has been proposed as I feel it will be detrimental to my constituents.”
A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which came into effect on October 30 2015 looked at introducing disabled persons parking bays, pay-and-display bays, and loading only bays. The purpose of the TRO is to deter commuter intrusion which is creating difficulty for people wishing to park locally to use the commercial facilities in the area.
“The proposals were amended taking into account feedback received as part of the consultation. The associated works are nearing completion.
“We have received the petition and it will be considered accordingly.”