Local MSP Finlay Carson has called on Dumfries and Galloway Council to revisit decriminalisation of parking enforcement for non-endorsable parking offences.
In 2013, Dumfries and Galloway lost their Traffic Wardens after Police Scotland decided to stop funding the service. At the time it was suggested the Council could apply to the Scottish Government to take on the decriminalised element of the parking enforcement such as enforcing on street waiting restrictions.
Although concerns were raised at the time by councillors and officials surrounding the adverse effect on traffic management in towns across Dumfries and Galloway, it was anticipated by Police Scotland that any risk could be managed through the use of existing police resources.
Earlier this month Carson met with both Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Elaine Murray, and Chief Superintendent Gary Ritchie to highlight the real safety fears now being experienced by blue badge holders, pedestrians and road users.
Commenting, Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson said:
“It has become clear that the current system is not working. I am becoming increasingly concerned about road and pedestrian safety following the increased numbers of vehicles parking in restricted areas and on double yellow lines across the region.
“In light of the serious safety consequences that this type of parking could cause, I have written to the Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, asking for an urgent report to be brought before the relevant committee to revisit the 2013 decision to remove traffic wardens from the streets.
“I welcome the commitment given to me from Chief Superintendent Gary Ritchie that in the meantime his officers will focus some patrols on areas where parking violations have become commonplace.”
