A UK seaside town with a charming high street is working on a proposal to introduce parking charges to the town centre. Dunbar, a coastal town in Scotland less than an hour from Edinburgh, is considering the introduction of short-stay parking fees on the popular High Street
The move has left the residents, who said the extra fees will ‘penalise the local population just for living there’, up in arms. Many are urging the council to reconsider its plans, which have also faced strong criticism from the town’s business group. At present, there is no charge for parking on the High Street up to 90 minutes. But, under the new plan, short-stay car parking areas would offer a limited period of free parking time.
Once this time has elapsed, a charge would be required, the council stated in the proposal. The council has also proposed to introduce resident parking permits, which will allow the locals unlimited parking in designated areas with an annual fee. However, the plan has not gone well with the residents. Wendy Nicolson, who runs a sports and leisurewear shop on the high street, is skeptical about the proposed parking charges.
She told The Express: “I don’t think the proposed charges will help. The council has already finalised it for North Berwick, and they are now doing consultation in Dunbar and Haddington about it. It feels like the council is penalising their own local population just for living here.”
The East Lothian Council, in the proposal, stated that the changes are likely to “boost the economy”.
Allan Turnbull, 65, who has lived all his life in Dunbar, believes that the move will cause more damage to the town. Mr Turnbull, who retired from the military, highlighted that there are no financial issues around the town.
He said: “It’s certainly not a poor town. The council’s idea was for drivers not to come into the town, which then affected the industry here again.
“And now, they are going to bring in parking charges on the high street again. The traders are up in arms, the locals are up in arms.
“It’s going to cause further damage to the town, so see if it hasn’t recovered from it. It’s like everywhere is going through the same problem. How do you get rid of cars?”
But this is not the lone case. Dunbar is the third town in East Lothian to see an updated parking charge plan.
The controversial plans for North Berwick were approved by councillors last December, while early proposals for charges in Tranent were unveiled last month.
Consultations have also kicked off in Haddington, while they will start in June for Musselburgh.
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “We are carrying out a series of consultations with a focus on addressing challenges associated with parking in many of our town centres. The consultation launching today is about Dunbar and runs until June 16.
“It recognises that demand for parking can be high, particularly during peak periods. That’s why our priority is to work with the local community to explore solutions which increase the availability of parking spaces in the town centre. Doing so can make it easier for people to access local shops and businesses.
“New approaches to parking management can also help to protect and enhance the environment whilst supporting provision for active travel and public transport and enhancing safety.
“While no decisions on these measures have been taken, consulting on possible ways forward will help us address the current problems we face with parking whilst supporting the local economy and enhancing the environment. I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the proposals for Dunbar.”
An East Lothian Council told The Express: “No decisions on these measures have been taken at this point and so there is no implementation date.
“Similar consultations are also taking place in present in Tranent and Haddington. A consultation has already taken place in North Berwick.”
