When we first got wind of the council’s plans for change to bin collections and parking controls in Strathbungo back in the summer, we conducted a survey of local residents. This was advertised through our usual digital channels and through various local WhatsApp groups.

We received over 200 replies, with a real balance of opinions, but the take-home points are:

1. The pavements aren’t fit for purpose, because they are already too narrow, and blocked not just by cars but by hedges too. This is particularly so in the Squares and Moray Place.

2. Residents are either happy walking in the road, or feel it is necessary. Many consider it a positive aspect of life in Strathbungo, and many would continue to do so even if pavement parking was banned.

3. Thus it makes more logical sense to create a Home Zone, where pedestrians have priority in the roadway, rather than banning pavement parking.

4. Motorists need to be deterred or prevented from parking across property entrances however, especially if pavement parking is permitted.

5. A parking permit scheme is not popular; most parking is residential anyway, and it was not thought it would improve parking provision. There was little evidence it would reduce the number of cars owned by residents.

6. There is concern that a permit scheme might increase conversion of front or back gardens for parking. The option might not always be available, but 35% of respondents said a scheme might encourage them to do this.

7. On-street central bin stores are deeply unpopular, and steps to enable continued collection from rear lanes were a clear preference.

8. Any solutions need to consider the need for EV charging infrastructure, if EVs are to be more popular.

You can read the parking survey results in full. They will be discussed at the AGM on 4th November.

UPDATE: No sooner do we post than the council publishes the full consultation. You can see it here, though loading the plan as a pdf is a struggle. You can access an alternative version here – it is a vast improvement and zooms instantly (thanks to Paul Hart for doing this).