Parking patrols resume following lockdown suspension

Date: 
Friday, 14 August, 2020

Parking patrols are to resume following a five month suspension as traffic levels rise to more typical levels.

In common with the majority of Scottish local authorities, all parking management and Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) activity was suspended in East Dunbartonshire at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in March.

In recent weeks and as a first phase, Community Wardens have being carrying out DPE patrols on an advisory basis. The focus of these patrols has been town centres and the school estate, to coincide with pupils returning.

During the second phase, from Monday 17 August, DPE patrols will result in PCNs being issued where contraventions occur in on-street locations across the whole Council area. In addition to dealing with contraventions of existing restrictions around the school estate, the Community Wardens will also be enforcing the new Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) which have been introduced near schools to increase safety and allow for physical distancing.

Finally, the third phase, from Monday 14 September, will see the return of off-street parking charges and full enforcement for all on-street and off-street contraventions. From this date, Bishopbriggs Kenmure car park will also be coming into operation as a charging car park.

Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody, said, “The delayed pace of this phased return has been designed to help support the return to school of our pupils and also the return to work of our residents and visitors to our local businesses. However, we must now will look to ensure parking is safe within our town centre locations.

"Parking and traffic management is an important public service which benefits pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, businesses and the wider community. Benefits include ensuring better road safety and access to jobs, goods and services, all of which has never been more important following this unprecedented period. The resumption has been planned in a carefully phased way with timescales being developed using guidance from the Scottish Government, British Parking Association and COSLA.”

Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson, said, “Transport is one of the most important factors in ensuring we continue to control the virus and save lives as lockdown restrictions lift. A phased re-introduction of previously relaxed traffic and parking management and enforcement is necessary for a safe and controlled recovery. This is especially true for the return to school and as more workplaces re-open.  Demand for town centre parking is likely to increase significantly in the coming weeks due to these factors. At the same time, public transport may not be suitable for vulnerable groups at this time, and therefore traffic management is more important than ever.” 

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