West End parking row could end up in courts

RESIDENTS: Councillor prepared to take legal action against city council

A Dundee councillor has warned he is prepared to take legal action against the local authority in his fight for residents’ parking in the West End.

Council fees at Roseangle, Pennycook Lane, Miller’s Wynd, Mid Wynd, Bellfield Street (North), Ryehill Lane and Union Place (North), came into effect this week.

Overnight, weekend and up to two hours of parking will be free, with two to four hours costing £1 and four to eight hours £2.

The authority claims the new charges will help encourage more footfall, support overnight parking for residents and promote sustainable travel.

However, the charges have proved controversial because 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 so locals do not have to pay fees, but has so far not done so.

Councillor Richard Mccready said: “I will be writing to the executive director of city development, Robin Presswood, demanding that the council moves forward with plans for resident parking permits for the West End.

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New parking charges have now come into effect but residents have not yet been given designated parking areas. COUNCILLOR RICHARD MCCREADY

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

“New parking charges have now come into effect but residents have not yet been given designated parking areas.

“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 parking charges in the West End were “madness”.

He 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.”

Mr Dryden added: “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.

“The feeling is that people would be prepared to pay this and use the car parks and therefore free the streets of parked cars.

“Unfortunately, the community council has limited powers to act on this but if necessary we will be prepared to set up a petition demanding that residents’ parking is provided in the West End.”

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

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Pennycook Lane car park, where council fees are now in effect.