Town councillors will this week attempt to end the parking chaos blighting Kirkcaldy’s leisure centre.
Members of the Kirkcaldy area committee have been advised to introduce waiting restrictions on surrounding roads to prevent inconsiderate drivers from using nearby pavements as parking spaces.
Earlier this week The Courier revealed that council parking wardens would continue to monitor parking at the pool in the evenings following a pre-Christmas trial to tackle the problem.
Under the proposals, service roads around the centre would have new rules prohibiting waiting at any time put in place.
However, to do this requires a Traffic Regulation Order, a measure councillors will be asked to agree on Wednesday.
As well as improving safety around the site, Fife Council also stands to benefit. With those parking on surrounding roads doing so to avoid paying parking fares, the introduction of restrictions will likely see these drivers park in nearby, chargeable car parks.
A report by Ken Gourlay, head of assets, transportation and environment, states: “There has been recent concern over the impact of inappropriate parking on the safety of patrons both of the leisure centre and of adjacent business premises.
“Emergency escape routes are impacted by inappropriate parking. This is of concern for patrons of the leisure centre and also for first responders.
“The proposed waiting restrictions aims to reduce the number of vehicles parking on the service road and should result in reduced congestion and improved access for leisure centre patrons and those accessing adjacent premises.”