The gates have been slammed shut on “disrespectful” Angus motorists, who have been parking in a funeral home car park to avoid charges.
Staff at Kirriemuir Co-op Funeralcare say they have had to start locking the private car park gates to stop drivers parking there.
Motorists caught in the car park have been told by staff to consider the needs of funeral home clients and visitors and go elsewhere.
It comes after parking meters reappeared in Angus in November after an absence of more than two decades.
The funeral home did not want to comment on the move but Angus MP Kirstene Hair said it was completely understandable and urged drivers to do the decent thing.
“Spaces are being denied to families who want to attend services at the funeral directors, along with hearses and processions, who all need these spaces,” she said.
“I know that Kirrie residents would not wish to upset anyone who is paying their respects and will ensure that they will do all they can to use the public parking facilities that are available to them.”
The gates at the funeral home are now being locked between 2pm and 10am Monday to Friday and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Kirriemuir SNP councillor Julie Bell said: “I understand people trying to avoid paying for something that used to be free.
“But I really would urge drivers to have more consideration and sensitivity for people who are so recently bereaved.”
A spokesman for Angus Council said: “In Angus, it is possible to park for free on street in designated areas for up to 30 minutes.
“Off street parking is available for just £1 an hour up to a maximum of £4 hours, and our permits offer parking for as little as 85p per day.
“This stands fair comparison against our neighbouring local authority areas and anywhere else in the UK.”
Earlier this week council staff were given a warning for parking in the streets despite claiming their own car parks were packed out by locals avoiding new charges.
Mark Armstrong, strategic resources director, reminded workers to use designated staff car parks after being contacted by councillors who had received complaints from locals.
He said: “I understand members of the public are using council staff car parks in Arbroath, possibly in response to parking charges.
“Unfortunately there is nothing we can do to deter or prevent this and I appreciate that this may be forcing staff to park elsewhere.”
