North Berwick: Protesters gather to oppose parking charges

Last Tuesday, East Lothian councillors voted through the plans, despite hundreds of objections from residents, as the leader of East Lothian Council claimed that the town would "die" without them.

The protest was held outside St Andrew Blackadder Church on High Street, and organised by East Lothian Conservatives.

READ MORE: Parking charges in North Berwick approved by councillors

The protest took place between 11.30am and 12.30pm, as protesters held up signs reading "Ho, Ho, Ho? No, No, No!" and "Santa might not stop his sleigh if you make him pay".

According to the political party, more than 50 people attended the event, including Conservative South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy. 

Judy Lockhart-Hunter, former chair of North Berwick Community Council between 2018 and 2022, and a Tory candidate during the council election of 2022, also attended.  

More than 50 people turned up to protest about the car parking charges coming to North Berwick (Image: Robert Hill) Speaking after the event, Mr Hoy said: “It was heartening to see so many people taking a stand against damaging parking charges imposed on North Berwick by East Lothian Council.

“Everyone was very clear: they feel ignored and betrayed by the council and don’t want to see these charges introduced. The plan will be damaging to businesses and cause totally unnecessary costs and bureaucracy for residents.

“I, along with many residents in North Berwick, stand firmly against the measures.

“It’s not too late for the council to think again and deliver some Christmas cheer by listening to the community’s concerns.”

Explaining the council's reasoning for the charges, Councillor John McMillan had previously said: "We want to make it easier for people to park by increasing the turnover of available spaces in the town centre. By providing easier access to the town centre for purposes such as shopping, we hope to see increased footfall within local businesses.

“Most other council areas in Scotland already have a form of town centre parking charges and it is clear that incorporating charges, alongside other restrictions and residents parking, is a necessary part of improved parking management."