At a recent planning committee seminar, Midlothian councillors heard that the lack of convenient short-term car parking was considered one of the biggest deterrents to the development of Dalkeith as a shopping and business centre.

Problems with the high incidence of uncontrolled long-stay car parking, the lack of a clear distinction between short and long-stay car parks and significant illegal on and off-street car parking were also mooted.

Solution

The seminar discussed ideas for a package of measures as a solution, including a charging regime to discourage anyone wishing to stay longer than four hours.

Parking controls would initially be introduced to the North Wynd and St Andrew Street car parks, while other off-street car parks would remain long stay.

Proposals

Nine of the 11 car park operators contacted have already expressed an interest in submitting proposals for control of the car parks.

The establishment of limited short stay on-street parking of 15 and 30 minutes duration and loading zones in the town centre were also suggested, as was the setting up of residents' parking zones and the investigation of additional sites for off-street car parking.

The seminar heard the introduction of a management regime could result in shoppers going to other centres, where there were no charges for parking.

For full story see The Advertiser, Thursday May 15, 2008