On-street parking woes in Oban
‘The teachers have to stop parking at Miller Road’
On-street parking in Oban has been an issue since the new parking charges came into play last year.
The lack of free parking and no long-stay provision has resulted in drivers leaving their vehicles in residential areas to the dismay of fed-up residents.
Now the problem has again been raised by residents living near Oban High School saying the difficulties are being exacerbated due to teachers and pupils parking outside their homes, instead of in the school’s car park.
Willie Rodger issued plea to people on social media, saying: ‘Will the folk using Sinclair Dr, Quarry Rd and Miller Rd for free all day parking please spare a thought for the residents of the area? If you must park there, at least do it with some consideration.
‘I know this sounds like a “first world problem”, but some of us aren’t that mobile and walking causes excruciating pain so ending up parked a kilometre from home isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s detrimental to health and wellbeing.’
Some comments highlighted Oban High School teachers and pupils parking there.
At the May meeting of Oban Community Council, Councillor Roddy McCuish stated: ‘The teachers have to stop parking at Miller Road. They have a car park with 185 spaces there.’
Speaking to The Oban Times, Mr Rodger added: ‘I park in Sinclair Drive and on occasion we have teachers or pupils parking there but it’s mainly folk who work further into the town who take up all the available spaces, leaving nowhere for the residents to park, not to mention random folk parking up for anything up to a fortnight and heading off towards the ferry.’
Mr Rodger said there had always been a few people parking there, but it has became worse since the Lochavullin car park started charging.
He added: ‘I’ve put in an application to get a disabled spot but it takes ages.’
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘We will remind staff that parking is available in the school grounds.’
Replying to Mr Rodgers directly, Oban High School said: ‘We are sorry to hear this is still happening. All staff will be reminded not to park in residential car parks.’