CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has published the results of a survey he launched two weeks ago following East Lothian Council’s decision to consult on the introduction of parking charges in North Berwick.
555 surveys were returned to Mr Hoy from households across North Berwick, representing 16% of all households in the town.
On the question of “do you support or oppose the introduction of on-street parking charges for North Berwick?”, 409 residents said they opposed the move while 149 said they supported it.
Some 323 out of 548 people (59%) said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned about a lack of parking facilities in North Berwick.
Respondents to Mr Hoy’s survey were also more supportive of designated visitor parking outside of the town centre, supported by 84% of respondents, and a seasonal visitor park and ride scheme, which was supported by 83% of respondents.
Mr Hoy recently met with local High Street retailers who raised concerns about the cost to implement parking charges and its impact on the local High Street.
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Hoy said: “It is imperative that East Lothian Council and local ward Councillors listen to residents and represent their views as best as they possibly can. East Lothian Council need to be clear about what parking charges will mean for residents of North Berwick.
“The council administration have argued that their proposals will increase parking availability in North Berwick, however, under their proposals there will be no additional designated residential parking spaces in the town, meaning there is no guarantee for local residents that they will have access to an on-street parking space even after they buy a parking permit.
“Businesses are also legitimately worried that people who normally travel into North Berwick will park and shop in large supermarkets with free parking or out-of-town retail outlets elsewhere in the county which are dominated by large national chains.”
Mr Hoy’s colleague, Councillor Jeremy Findlay who represents North Berwick Coastal ward, said: “I remain opposed to the introduction of charged parking spaces in North Berwick following on from feedback from local residents and High Street businesses.
“Like Craig, I believe that the Council administration needs to better engage with the local business community and local residents.”
My Hoy submitted a report outlining the findings of his community survey and business meeting to the consultation on introducing parking charges in North Berwick ahead of the closure of the consultation on Tuesday 13 December 2022.
He has called on local ward councillors from all parties to engage with local residents and effectively represent their views.
