CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, and Jeremy Findlay, Conservative Councillor for North Berwick Coastal ward, have given their backing to a petition launched by North Berwick Community Council to oppose the introduction of parking charges in the town.
The controversial parking proposals, which have been supported by Labour, SNP and Green Councillors, would result in the creation of three Controlled Parking Zones in North Berwick, with parking charges in each controlled parking zone including in the town centre.
Mr Hoy who previously engaged with residents and businesses on their views to the possible introduction of parking charges found that 73% of respondents were against the proposals.
Craig Hoy MSP said: “Having consulted with local residents and businesses, it is clear that the vast majority of people in North Berwick do not support the parking proposals which are being brought forward by East Lothian Council.
“Similar schemes which have been introduced elsewhere in Scotland have driven footfall away from independent High Street businesses and towards supermarkets and retail parks, leaving once-thriving town centres to spiral into decline.
“In addition to this, the proposals take parking spaces away from residents and fail to address that parking difficulties in North Berwick tend to be seasonal.”
North Berwick Coastal Councillor Jeremy Findlay said: “Labour, SNP and Green Councillors have claimed that parking charges in North Berwick are part of a solution to tackling climate change, yet many of the same Councillors who support parking charges have supported the development of out-of-town retail parks in Haddington and Dunbar where parking is free of charge.
“Councillors need to start listening to local residents and businesses instead of acting purely on a party political basis.”
The petition can be signed at: www.change.org/p/no-to-north-berwick-parking-proposals
