The introduction of new residents parking schemes in Dundee will require high levels of enforcement to make them work, council officers have admitted.
Councillors will be asked on Monday to approve the plans for parts of the West End, Maryfield and Coldside.
It is hoped the scheme will make it easier for residents to park near their homes. However, only one permit, costing £62 a year, would be issued per household.
The report going before the city development committee on Monday warns of “significant issues and obstacles that will arise” as a result of the introduction of the scheme.
It states: “A residents parking scheme will provide benefits during the period that it is in operation, seven days a week, 24 hours per day, and initially a high level of enforcement may be required to ensure that the scheme is effective.
“The implementation of a residents parking scheme will not guarantee a resident a parking space immediately outside an individual’s property, as it is only designed to increase parking opportunities in the area.”
The report adds the restrictions “would not solve all parking problems with each area”.
West End Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson has called for more consultation with residents, community councils and tenants’ and residents’ groups before the scheme goes ahead.
Plan for three new £60-a-year residents’ parking permit schemes around Dundee city centre
“Any parking scheme must be both fit for purpose and have residents’ support,” he said.
“There is nothing in the committee report to give residents a say in the proposals through a formal consultation exercise and that is an absolute must.”
The move has support from one Crescent Lane resident who has been fighting for a parking scheme in her street for a decade.
Sandra Small said she would “gladly” pay £62 a year if it meant she could park nearer her home.
Ms Small said: “ I think £62 is a bit much but we would gladly take that to get rid of the parkers.
“We’ve been fighting for this for 10 years, and I can only hope that it doesn’t take another 10 to come through.
“We’ve had our house on the market and the estate agent told us not to get daytime viewings, it’s so bad. And we’re not the only ones on the street that’s put our house on the market because of it.
“It’s mostly council workers parking here as far as I can tell so there is obviously a problem with spaces in the city centre. There is also flashy cars like Jaguars and Audis, but those people can’t be bothered to pay for parking in town.
“I love it when the weather is bad like it’s been recently because it means they have to walk to town in it.”
Sandra and her neighbours were left optimistic when a sign was placed on the street recently saying “residents parking only”. However, it was never enforced and she said it did nothing to deter commuters.
“The traffic wardens won’t do anything about it so what was the point? What are they getting paid for?”