Moray SNP News

SNP COUNCILLLORS SLAM PARKING CHARGES DECISION

Moray SNP Councillors have voiced their opposition to increased parking charges in Elgin, which they believe will push more people onto residential streets before a solution to residential parking can be found.

During a meeting of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee councillors considered the outcome and recommendations from the Elgin Parking Review.

After a lengthy debate on Elgin’s parking issues Tory and Independent Councillors voted to recommend imposing parking charges at Elgin Railway Station, doubling 2 hour charges in many other car parks and rejected calls for consultation on the proposals and more work on residential parking concerns.

SNP Councillors and the Labour Councillor all argued against the proposals in their current form but were defeated by 6 votes to 5.

Speaking after the vote the SNP’s Spokesperson on Economic Development and Infrastructure Services and Councillor for Elgin City South, Graham Leadbitter, said:

“This decision today will be bad for residents, who already see significant issues with on street parking, it is also going to be bad for business with the charge doubling for parking up to 2 hours.

“While there are some aspects of the proposals that are good such as the £1 all day charge for Batchen Lane Multi-Storey Car Park and the introduction of a new Coach Stop and having ‘Free After 3’ for the Christmas shopping period, I have serious concerns over the impact of these changes.

“One of the main reasons for getting this work done was to find a solution to on-street parking issues and that has simply failed to materialise.

“This will lead to further congestion in residential streets and unfairly penalises rail users and shoppers.

“A huge amount of work is being done to improve Elgin City Centre with major building improvements and many new businesses opening up in recent months. Today’s decision unfortunately sets that good work back a few steps. We will now need to redouble our efforts to support the centre of Elgin.”