Working to tackle parking problem on North Berwick High Street

At a recent meeting of the community council, it was discussed that business owners are parking their cars outside their premises, often for hours at a time, which contravenes the parking restrictions on High Street.

It was then suggested that the community council could contact the business association in an attempt to solve the issue.

Carlene Macnair, chair of the town’s business association, told the Courier: “Local business owners are acutely aware of the pressure on town centre parking, particularly within the summer months – they are also aware that if people can’t get parked easily then the knock-on effect is their businesses will, of course, suffer.” There were renewed calls for more use to be made of the car park at the rugby club, particularly as there are often few spaces available in the town centre, with the car park at Melbourne Place also regularly full.

Community police officer Cameron Tait confirmed to the community council meeting that he was working to put an end to the town’s parking problems.

He told the meeting he had issued nine tickets across one afternoon earlier this month, with cars parked on both sides of the road towards the beach area.

He was also aware of the problem of parking on High Street, but admitted that it was difficult to move the cars on.

PC Tait added: “One of the difficulties is they are there all the time, and they can see when the police are coming, so they just move their cars and then move them back.” The business association chair urged everyone using the town centre to respect the parking conditions in place, and to make use of public transport.

“Free parking remains available throughout the town and our High Street remains packed full of local independent businesses which helps maintain its popularity, diversity and distinctive character,” she added.

However, she was keen to stress that “North Berwick is very much open for business”.