Parking pressures ‘require council attention’

A COUNCILLOR is calling on officials to help sort out parents’ parking problems at Noblehill Primary.

Nith elected member David Slater has written to the local authority’s roads department about the ongoing traffic issues at the school, particularly at drop off and pick up periods when surrounding streets are congested.

He’s taking up the issue on behalf of families, residents in the area and the local mosque who are also affected.

Highlighting the growing widespread concerns, Cllr Slater said: “Recent changes to the parking policy at the nearby supermarket have had a significant and unintended impact on the surrounding residential streets, and I believe this now requires council attention.”

Explaining the impact of changes to the car park at the Annan Road Aldi store, which has introduced fines for anyone not purchasing in store, he added: “While this has succeeded in freeing up spaces for supermarket customers, it has displaced school-related traffic into the neighbouring streets.”

The councillor is especially worried about the resulting increased congestion during peak school times, unsafe manoeuvring and reduced visibility for pedestrians, obstructive parking on corners, pavements, and driveways, and the heightened risk to any children walking to and from school.

He added: “These issues are now affecting road safety, access for residents, and the general wellbeing of the local community.”

And he wants the council to assess the situation and consider the potential options, which could include: a designated short-stay “drop-and-go” zone near the school; time-limited restrictions to maintain traffic flow; active travel initiatives; and traffic management interventions to improve safety during peak periods.

A further suggestion is for dialogue with the supermarket to explore a community-friendly compromise.