MP Douglas Chapman has ramped up his campaign for better parking in the heart of Dunfermline.
He has written to Fife Council to ask why Kirkcaldy town centre has been given parking incentives while Dunfermline shoppers are missing out and is seeking a re-evaluation of traffic flows through the town.
“Accessibility to parking, the length of time you are allowed to park and cost are all issues that require full reconsideration,” he said.
“Fife Council is a key player in improving the parking regime as they own and operate most of the parking spaces.
“Currently, it’s more about maximising revenue for the council than thinking about what families, visitors and people who work in the town centre actually need.”
Jean Muir, who is helping the SNP politician in his bid to improve the town centre, added Dunfermline was “knee-deep” in reports about regeneration.
“The council has just commissioned yet another £15,000 report and we will know the findings of that one soon.
“All these reports have had the answers, but in each case the implementation of recommendations is poor and that’s perhaps why Dunfermline has stagnated while other towns of equal size have prospered.
“Flow of traffic needs to be reconsidered and, again, having the council do nothing on this is not going to open up the town to new visitors, new retail and new opportunities,” she said.
Mr Chapman added: “It’s time for the people of Dunfermline to have their say and we all need be able to shape the kind of town we want to live in, enjoy and decide how we can be part of its development.
“This cannot be left to the council and I’ve been supporting some fresh talent and new blood who are already making Dunfermline a great place to be, but we need more people with ideas to come forward to make our town more accessible, vibrant and a great place to enjoy.”
Fife Council’s transportation head Ken Gourlay explained the Kirkcaldy parking trial was promoted and funded by the local area committee, following extensive local consultation to identify town centre priorities.
“We are listening to customers and businesses across Fife, and we are committed to taking relevant action to ensure that quality, accessible parking is available.
“We are local area focused, and this may mean different approaches for different areas to ensure we meet the needs of local people, communities and businesses.
“For example, the Kirkcaldy trial has focussed on reduced parking tariffs in off-street car parks, and does not consider traffic management measures.”
He added: “Fife Council continues to work with Dunfermline Delivers and partners to improve access to the town, including car parking.
“The Dunfermline area committee is watching the trial with interest, and will review their local approach once the Kirkcaldy pilot results are known.”
