Call for permits to safeguard residents' parking

The European Championship Games took place earlier this month and attracted many families and sports enthusiasts to Strathclyde Park to spectate and participate in free events hosted by North Lanarkshire Council.

Despite the council making plentiful provision for spectator parking, Ms Gallacher said that many local residents were disrupted by cars being parked in residential areas and on main roads such as The Loaning, where the road was blocked due to congestion caused by parked cars.

She was contacted by many concerned residents during the games and worked closely with the Head of Communication and Strategic lead to resolve the parking issues. However, Councillor Gallacher feels that planning and legislation to prevent parking in residential areas will improve the experience for all who attend major events in the future.

Ms Gallacher said: “The events hosted by North Lanarkshire Council were a major success and it was brilliant to see so many families and sports enthusiasts visit the park to support the athletes competing in the games. Before the games, I met with the Head of Communications who reassured me that signs were being placed to direct people to North Motherwell Park, away from the residential areas.

“However, during the course of the games, I was called to residential areas to speak with constituents as they were concerned about the volume of parking. I was pleased that the Braedale estate received permits to ensure that they could access their property, but this was not afforded to residents of Greenacres, The Loaning, Old Farm Road or Tinkers Lane.

“Due to the volume of parking, I was in constant contact with North Lanarkshire Council and once they implemented further provision, this did mitigate the problems residents were experiencing.

“I am aware that this is not an isolated issue and residents have raised concerns of parking in the past, especially during Guy Fawkes Night, when the Council hosts a fireworks display in conjunction with South Lanarkshire.

“I do not want these events to be stopped as they are great for families and the surrounding community however, more consideration should be given to those living near the park. I am now calling on North Lanarkshire Council to issue permits to local residents for upcoming major events to ensure that local residents are able to access their property and their street, without congestion.