Additional measures enforced to tackle Elgin parking issues
Interim measures aimed at dealing with poor parking behaviour in Elgin town centre are expected to get underway on Monday 25 March.
Police officers in partnership with Moray Council will be enforcing parking restrictions in Elgin town centre.
Under the short-term plan funded by the Elgin Common Good Fund, police officers will carry out parking enforcement for up to six months.
A longer-term solution is planned and funded under the Elgin City Centre Masterplan project, through the Levelling Up Fund.
This will include the installation of rise and fall bollards on the Plainstones, Batchen Street, Commerce Street, and High Street, where drivers are regularly parking, ignoring traffic regulation orders.
There is limited ability at present to install controls due to the current closure of North Street for the rebuilding of the Poundland building.
Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee chair, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “We’ve always urged people to park responsibly and to consider the needs of the local community and other road users. We’ve been listening to local people's concerns about parking in Elgin town centre and we are pleased to be working with our partners in Police Scotland on this interim measure.”
Inspector Andy Meikleham, from the Elgin Community Policing Team, said: “We are aware of the issues raised around parking in Elgin Town Centre. This has caused many issues for local business owners and member of the local community.
"Keeping our communities safe is our top priority, and parking enforcement activity will be balanced against operational demand. I appeal to all drivers to make sure you are aware of the Highway Code in relation to parking restrictions.
"In particular I would like to highlight the High Street pedestrianised area known locally as the Plainstones. This area has a prohibition on driving except for permit holders and for loading and unloading at specific times. Blue Badge holders are not exempt from this prohibition and should not enter this area.
"I ask for the assistance of all members of the community that drive to ensure they are obeying all local parking restrictions.”