Businesses throughout North Berwick have overwhelmingly rejected plans put forward by East Lothian Council to implement parking restrictions in the town.

North Berwick Business Association (NBBA) surveyed its members, with 90 per cent believing the proposals would have a “detrimental impact” on their businesses.

The scheme – the biggest shake-up of parking provision in North Berwick for decades – would, says the council, greatly improve “parking management” and raise much-needed income for the local authority.

At its centre are plans to introduce four Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ), where on-street parking charges – varying from 50p to £1 per 30-minute period – would be introduced and residents in designated streets would be charged £40 for parking permits.

The results of the surveyed NBBA members showed massive opposition to the proposals, however, with 88 per cent of respondents also believing the measures would discourage people from visiting High Street.

To aid town centre shoppers, it is proposed that the first half hour of parking will be free of charge in the Central CPZ only.

Despite this, 86 per cent of businesses believed the proposals would reduce the flow of people to High Street, while 80 per cent also believed they would not improve the parking situation in the town centre.

Susan Oliver, co-chairperson of NBBA, described the proposals as “reckless” and shared the group’s dismay that they had not been consulted prior to the announcement.

She said: “At a time of recession, when many shops and hospitality businesses are already struggling with rising costs and recruitment, it seems reckless to introduce measures that would ultimately deter people from visiting and working on their local high street. Numerous surveys and consultations nationwide and locally, as recent as August 2022, have proved that restricted and charged parking is a major cause of high street demise.

“So why are East Lothian Council still pursuing this approach in North Berwick, followed by plans to roll out restricted parking across other high streets in the county?

“Despite the council previously promising to include the business association in any plans for High Street, there was no consultation with our group.

“Comments on the plans, however, came from On The Move Scotland, a cycling group – suggesting they were included in talks but excluded local businesses.

“North Berwick High Street is the heart of our community and keeping this as an inclusive friendly place for all is so important to residents’ mental health and wellbeing. The NBBA does not support East Lothian Council’s parking proposals and would welcome dialogue with them.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The parking consultation provides an opportunity for a wide range of views from residents, visitors and businesses and engagement has been positive.

“We have held two drop-in events over the past week, which were extremely well attended and provided the chance for people to ask direct questions on the proposals. The NBBA was represented and held very constructive discussions with council officers, where they provided detail on their survey which is being reviewed and a follow-up meeting is being planned.”