Independent business owners have called for Dundee City Council to improve parking facilities for customers.
Firms on Dundee’s Arklay Street fear a perceived lack of parking near their shops is forcing members of the public elsewhere.
It’s felt “unnecessary” double yellow lines and large waste units, which have been left on the street, is resulting in customers “driving by”.
Close proximity to Tannadice and Dens Park make Saturday afternoons particularly frustrating for customers and business owners alike, it’s said.
Michael Tanbini, of Kobi Karpets, said: “It’s hard enough to get a parking space here as it is, but if they’re putting these bins out in the street then it’s fewer parking spaces here and further up the street.
“We’re not happy about it because they just came along and did it.
“If there’s no spaces then the customers will go elsewhere, they’ll go to another shop.
“We don’t want that. We want people coming to our shops.”
Both Michael and Marilyn Forbes, owner of Marilyn’s Secondhand & New, feel double yellow lines positioned at the bottom of Arklay Street should be removed.
It’s claimed the lines were used for an old factory which has long since closed down.
Michael, 54, said the lack of parking and level of traffic calming measures on Arklay Street have been an issue for businesses to contend with for “25 to 30 years”.
Marilyn Forbes, 62, added: “It’s taking away spaces.
“There’s plenty of space at the side of the properties to keep the bins, but here, they’re taking away space.
“I let people park in front of my door, but it’s awkward if I’ve got the van there with deliveries.
“The guy further up has even got double yellows over the entrance to his yard, I don’t see the sense in that.”
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “An assessment process is carried out before Euro bins are located in particular sites and this considers issues such as infrastructure of the area, capacity requirements for each material, network management guidelines and road and pedestrian safety.
“When planning bin locations we look at ways of minimising the number of car parking spaces that are taken up as expanded recycling services are provided across Dundee and, where possible, will review any areas of particular concern once the roll out is complete.”
