Stirling Council's Regulatory Functions Panel has approved a proposal with considerations for a controlled parking zone in Dunblane.

The proposal was in response to concerns made to tackle the town's parking problems, which will include the provision of pay and display parking and the introduction of a residents parking permit scheme. The controlled parking zone will enable the provision of parking to be controlled, permitting all-day parking on the periphery of the zone, with short-term parking in the city.

The panel accepted the proposal but highlighted areas for consideration, which included proposing parking charges to be applied from Monday to Friday only, consideration to be given to the level of residents parking permits fee, currently £60 permit fee and consideration to implementing a traffic free day in the High Street.

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The areas covered by the new parking zone will be Springfield Terrace, Station Road, Stirling Road, Beech Road, High Street, Mill Row, The Cross and Kirk Street. The recently increased parking on the B8033 will remain free.

Local member, Councillor Graham Houston commented that it was a well-communicated exercise with members of the community involved throughout the consultation process that resulted in significantly low level of objections. He felt it would encourage movement and business within Dunblane and he gave his support to the proposal.

Other panel members agreed, with Councillor Jim Thomson welcoming the proposal and Councillor Margaret Brisley saying that it was an excellent start and a good move for the less able to access the area. Members agreed that a period of 12 months should be put in place to monitor the new parking regulations, and continue to monitor parking patterns on Saturday.

Officers informed the panel that Council Parking Attendants would control off street parking while the Police would continue to control on road parking. Officers also told the panel that they are still in discussions with Network Rail about the issue of parking on the adjacent land to Dunblane Train Station.

Panel members raised questions about the need for Saturday charges to be implemented and the level of permit that was proposed. Councillor David Goss also suggested that a traffic free day once a month in Dunblane High Street could also be proposed to ease congestion.

(GK/JM)