Jackson Carlaw MSP has today submitted his response to East Renfrewshire Council’s consultation on proposed off street car parking charges. (Letter attached below)
The consultation closes on 2 December 2016.
The proposal would see parking charges levied in various car parks across East Renfrewshire, including in major sites such as Clarkston library and goods yard as well as the Broom Burn Shops and Giffnock Train Station.
Some classes of vehicle would not be hit by the charges but the majority of vehicles will face charges which vary depending on the time spent in the car park and class of vehicle.
Jackson Carlaw MSP has among other amendments proposed:
• Increasing the free period in certain areas from 2 to 4hrs to allow people a reasonable period of time to park and enjoy local amenities. This is in line with major shopping centres.
• Have charge free days on Saturdays as well as Sundays to protect local businesses.
• That more thought must be given to the impact on already congested side streets if these changes are implemented as proposed.
Commenting on the proposed charges Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw said:
“These proposed changes need to be substantially rethought to protect local businesses, while ensuring our car parking spaces are not taken up by people parking there 24/7.
“The changes and the results that these proposals may well deliver do not seem to have been properly thought through.
“Why won’t, for example, Clarkston parking changes simply result in more people parking on side streets and congesting these areas instead of areas solely designed for car parking?
“It is unfortunate that there has been such a short period of consultation and these plans are indicative of an ill thought through proposal from a Council wanting simply to raise further revenue.
“I hope that East Renfrewshire Council will listen to my positive proposals rather than ramming this through to bolster their coffers.”