Double yellow lines planned in Forfar to deter council HQ staff

Firms in nearby business park complained about heavy traffic

Extra double yellow lines are to be laid down around Angus Council’s Forfar HQ over growing safety concerns about streets clogged up by local authority staff.

With rumours persisting that the current car park charges controversy could lead to meters also being put up at the council’s Angus House HQ, a plan is this week expected to be rubberstamped for new restrictions on the streets of Orchardbank business park following a flurry of complaints.

One councillor has welcomed the move and said he hopes it will ensure road safety is the “number one priority”.

Communities committee councillors will be asked tomorrow to ban parking around the sweep of Orchard Loan and in front of the council base by bringing in no waiting at any time restrictions.

Infrastructure chief Ian Cochrane’s report states: “A number of reports of concerns have been received from businesses within the overall Orchardbank business park, and industrial estate regarding on-street car parking on the bend of Orchard Loan, particularly near St Margaret’s House/ William Wallace House.

“Several site visits were carried out by roads officers to observe the situation on various days, at various times of day, and at these site visits, significant parking of vehicles on the road bend was observed.

He adds: “The current on-street parking which is chiefly being generated by the adjacent Angus House/ St Margaret’s House/william Wallace House campus is causing difficulties for traffic passing along this section of Orchard Loan.”

Restrictions are also due to come into force in connection with a filling station and restaurant development due to be built shortly opposite Angus House.

Forfar Conservative councillor Braden Davy said he had received numerous complaints.

“The huge amount of parked cars has been causing further problems for local businesses and industries in ensuring deliveries and shipments can be made properly,” he said.

“I am hopeful that this plan will ensure road safety is our number one priority.”