Fife Council is promoting a residents’ parking scheme in an area congested by the opening of its own headquarters.
Roads around the area have been packed since the opening of New City House 14 years ago.
Now the City of Dunfermline area committee has agreed to promote the introduction a parking scheme in the Reid Street area.
The issue isn’t a new one. In 2005 – the year after the council office opened – there was a consultation but that failed to reach a consensus of opinion.
Recently, however, there has been a rise in the number of inquiries about parking in Reid Street, Rolland Street and Kirklands.
The issue is being exacerbated by commuters – the area lies close to Dunfermline’s main railway station – making life difficult for residents trying to park near their homes.
Of the locals taking part in a local consultation, 77% agreed with the plan for residents’ parking, 18% disagreed and 5% didn’t express a preference.
Many were also concerned there were a lot of households who did not own a vehicle and so wouldn’t even take part in the survey.
Committee convener, Labour councillor Helen Law, said: “Parking in this area has been an issue for a few years and we realise that although we have agreed to promote the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme, it won’t suit everyone.
“However, given that 77% of those who responded to the consultation in the affected streets agreed with the proposal, it’s clear doing nothing is no longer an option.
“Hopefully this will allow householders to be able to park nearer to their homes.”
The scheme will see a length of double yellow lines in the turning head at the west end of Rolland Street and along its north side.
Marked bays will be restricted to two hours from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday for any vehicle.
Parking permit holders will be exempt from the two-hour time limit.
Local householders would be eligible for two permits and an administration fee of £20 will be applied by permit.
This will be valid for two years.
The permits will come with a warning that they “do not guarantee a parking space or reserve a specific parking space”.
