Extra double yellow lines are to be laid down around Angus Council’s Forfar HQ over growing safety concerns about streets clogged up by local authority staff.
With rumours persisting that the current car park charges controversy could lead to meters also being put up at the council’s Angus House HQ, a plan is this week expected to be rubber stamped for new restrictions on the streets of Orchardbank business park following a flurry of complaints.
One councillor has welcomed the move and said he hopes it will ensure road safety is the “number one priority”.
Communities committee councillors will be asked on Tuesday to ban parking around the sweep of Orchard Loan and in front of the council base by bringing in no waiting at any time restrictions.
Infrastructure chief Ian Cochrane’s report states: “A number of reports of concerns have been received from businesses within the overall Orchardbank business park, and industrial estate regarding on-street car parking on the bend of Orchard Loan, particularly near St Margaret’s House/William Wallace House.
“Several site visits were carried out by roads officers to observe the situation on various days, at various times of day, and at these site visits, significant parking of vehicles on the road bend was observed.
“Much of the traffic travelling along Orchard Loan is large vehicles as well as local bus services.”
He adds: “The current on-street parking which is chiefly being generated by the adjacent Angus House/St Margaret’s House/William Wallace House campus is causing difficulties for traffic passing along this section of Orchard Loan due to the extent of the parking which in turn restricts forward visibility for drivers and creates congestion.”
Restrictions are also due to come into force in connection with a filling station and restaurant development due to be built shortly opposite Angus House and the council’s own digital reprographics unit has also asked for tighter controls because of the difficulty delivery vehicles have getting to them.
Mr Cochrane continues: “Any localised restrictions would simply decant the problem further along Orchard Loan and Silvie Way and as such the introduction of more widespread waiting restrictions within the overall estate was necessary and justified in order to maintain traffic flow and in the interest of traffic safety.
“Informal consultation has been held with the local elected members. Whilst the members have concerns over these proposals as there is no alternative parking for overspill from offices etc, the road safety issues were noted and members agreed the proposals.”
Forfar Conservative councillor Braden Davy said he had received numerous complaints.
“The huge amount of parked cars has been causing further problems for local businesses and industries in ensuring deliveries and shipments can be made properly,” he said.
“I am hopeful that this plan will ensure road safety is our number one priority, and help increase the attractiveness of our local business parks.”
