Town residents bemoan lack of parking
Ryan TaylorResidents in flats near Stouts Court in Lerwick have voiced concerns about a lack of residential parking.
A couple who stay in one of the flats opposite the block at the south end of Commercial Street say up to 14 extra cars can appear in the area if social events are taking place at the nearby boating club.
Kevin and Samantha Sandison, who stay in a flat close to Stouts Court, say they are often forced to park at the Anderson High School, or even on Victoria Pier, before unloading their shopping from their car.
“The other residents are also furious about this and have spoken to several people who stay in Stouts Court flats as well,” the Sandisons stated in an email to Lerwick Community Council.
“One of the biggest problems is social events at the nearby Lerwick Boating Club which, especially during sailing and particularly rowing season and fire festival times bring sometimes up to 14 extra cars to the small area for parking.
“We have had to turn away deliveries in the past due to the closeness of the cars outside the front door – six inches from top doorstep. This also brings its own problems when trying to get shopping in the flat.”
The Sandisons’ plea prompted discussion at Monday’s community council meeting over the possibility of introducing a residential parking scheme.
Eddie Knight said parking was “desperate” in that part of the town but other parts of Lerwick were in just as much need.
Mr Knight cited a High Court case that established people had a right to park in front of their house.
Karen Fraser wondered if there was scope for more short-stay parking, but questioned herself over whether such a scheme would be open to abuse. “Who’s going to police it?” she said.
SIC councillor Michael Stout said studies into the possibility of introducing parking schemes over the years had failed to show any potential break-even.
Fellow councillor Allan Wishart said most of the spaces occupied along Hillhead were by cars that had come in from rural areas.
“If it was residential-only parking the place would be standing empty all day,” Mr Wishart added.
David Chalmers
I am disabled. Disabled parking spaces are few and far between in Lerwick. When I go to town I try to park as close as possible to where I need to shop in a disabled space. However, there is to often someone who is not disabled using the disabled parking space. I once asked a female driver too move on I got a load of abuse for my trouble. Maybe I should take the registration of offending vehicles and report them to the police but I believe that the police have enough to do without chasing after offending drivers.
Please if you are not disabled leave the disabled spaces for those of us who need them.