'Common sense prevails' as full exemption from pavement parking ban recommended for certain Bishopton streets

Councillor James MacLaren in Yarrow Crescent, Bishopton
-Credit: (Image: Andrew Neil)


"Common sense has prevailed" after it was agreed a number of Bishopton streets should be fully exempt from the impending pavement parking ban.

Initially, Cawdor Crescent, Ettrick Drive, Morar Crescent, Teviot Drive and Yarrow Crescent were only proposed for special dispensation on the east side, meaning on the other side cars would have had to park completely on the road. This sparked concern among residents – which were shared by Councillor James MacLaren – who feared if vehicles were only allowed on the pavement on one side it could block off the streets.

However, after a site visit on Friday, it was recognised these locations represent a "special case" and should be excused from the ban on both sides. Councillor MacLaren, a Conservative representative for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, said: "We had a site visit with residents and there were two engineers from roads there. There was some discussion.

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"We watched the bin lorry accessing the street and in the end they agreed it wasn't acceptable to have an exemption on one side. It would need to be both sides.

"It's a very sensible step. Common sense has prevailed.

"The idea that you could get away with just one side was crazy. It needs to be agreed at the next infrastructure, land and environment policy board, which I think is at the beginning of November."

Local authorities have been given powers to enforce a ban on parking on pavements, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs. The aim of the legislation is to prevent inconsiderate parking that forces pedestrians onto the road and increases the risk of accidents.

Renfrewshire Council confirmed its intention to begin enforcement from November. A penalty charge notice of £100 will be issued but halved if paid within a fortnight.

Exemptions can be granted in streets where there’s not enough space for emergency vehicles to achieve access without vehicles parking on the pavement or where there is at least 1.5 metres for pedestrians when a vehicle is parked on the pavement.

Councillor MacLaren told the infrastructure, land and environment policy board at the end of last month that he had been "inundated with emails" about the ban. Speaking about Yarrow Crescent and surrounding streets, he said: "It’s a narrow road with narrow pavements but if cars park on both sides of the road, with only one side being on the pavement, it’s just going to block the street. You won’t get a bin lorry up there, let alone a car."

His points have since been taken on board by the local authority, which confirmed tweaks to the exemption will need approval at the next board meeting. A spokesperson said this week: "We met with residents in Yarrow Crescent last week.

"These streets represent a special case and we have agreed to make changes which will exempt this and neighbouring similar roads from the pavement parking ban. The proposed traffic order will be put to councillors at the infrastructure, land and environment policy board in November and is subject to its agreement."

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