Drivers boycott Bishopbriggs car park after fees are reintroduced by council

Motorists are boycotting a car park after East Dunbartonshire Council reintroduced charges.

According to two local residents, the car park at Kenmure Drive has remained virtually empty since fees returned on September 14.

They say that instead, drivers are clogging up nearby residential streets close to the town centre.

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George Young told the Herald: “More than two years ago, the council proposed making Kenmure Drive car park at Bishopbriggs chargeable and asked for public comments.

“A group of residents from the Brackenbrae and Kenmure area were invited to a meeting having objected to the proposals.

“We said the 45 cars which usually parked there would impact nearby streets already congested due to no train parking at Bishopbriggs.”

He added: “With complete abandon, the council ignored all fears and reservations, and proceeded regardless.

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“Additional car park attendants were employed to police the new car park.

“These costs have had to be borne by the residents of East Dunbartonshire for a chargeable car park which now lies empty.”

Mr Young said that coin machines have been placed in wrong positions and the only method of purchasing tickets is pound coins.

He added that prior to charges being introduced 40 to 45 cars used the free parking facility to access the chapel, shops, chemist, post office and an occasional train user.

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He said: “Commuters now use the local side streets near the train station. These fill up before 9am each weekday morning.

“Can the councillors who condoned this fiasco be held accountable?”

Fellow resident Allan McGraw agreed and said: “Absolute disgrace of an own goal by East Dunbartonshire Council.

“Kenmure car park charges imposed from September 14. Result, car park empty. Where have the cars gone? In the adjacent streets!”

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In response, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, Thomas Glen, said: “Parking charges have been introduced at Kenmure Drive car park in Bishopbriggs in line with many car parks in town centres across East Dunbartonshire.

“Officers are currently monitoring parking displacement in the Kenmure Drive and Brackenbrae area, particularly inconsiderate parking on neighbourhood essential roads.

“Vehicles found to be parked on restrictions will be issued with Penalty Charge Notices by Community Wardens, and any vehicles causing obstruction or parked dangerously should be reported direct to Police Scotland on 101.”

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