Tayside Police cracking down on obstructive parking in Crieff

Jul 20 2012 by Katy Gordon, Strathearn Herald

CRIEFF police officers are clamping down on bad parking in the town.

Community crime officer Sarah Jane Bell contacted the Herald after numerous complaints about drivers obstructing roads and pavements with inconsiderate parking, particularly in two streets.

She said: “One of the most common complaints received by police when attending community council meetings or speaking to people when on patrol is that of poor or inconsiderate parking. As a community officer I am frequently asked about this.

“Most recently I have been approached about obstructive parking in Millar Street and High Street, Crieff.”

She added that, while most parking offences are the responsibility of Perth and Kinross Council, the police do have a role.

“For the most part parking offences are dealt with by the local authority,” she said.

“However, should a vehicle be left parked on a pavement, leaving less room than is required for a pram or wheelchair to pass, the police should be contacted to resolve the matter.

“These circumstances are clearly a danger if pedestrians have to walk on to the road to negotiate the parked vehicle. Police will also take action should a vehicle be deemed to be in a dangerous position, for example in a position where they block the view of vehicles exiting a junction.”

PC Bell added that anyone caught causing an obstruction could be fined – or even have their car towed.

“We will be carrying out focused patrols in these areas and speaking with drivers who are found to be committing offences,” she said.

“A person found to be parked so as to be causing an unnecessary obstruction may find themselves in receipt of a £30 fixed penalty notice and in some cases their vehicle may be removed by police at the owner’s expense.

“We would ask drivers to please be considerate of other road users and make efforts to find a suitable parking place when carrying out errands.”