Civic leader says double yellow lines in Wick will not impact on businesses
THE introduction of double yellow lines in the centre of Wick will not impact on businesses in the area, Caithness civic leader Willie Mackay has said.
The measure has been blamed for the closure of Birons ironmongers shop in Bridge Street, which shut its doors this week. Owners Kevin and Dawn Milkins say they intend to make a decision about their future shortly.
Councillor Mackay, who represents Wick and East Caithness, is "really supportive" of the initiative and says it will prevent "the willy-nilly parking in the town centre".
He does not believe the double yellow lines will affect businesses in the area, although he acknowledged Birons had closed over worries about the loss of trade.
"There have been no concerns whatsoever from other traders in Wick town centre and we have had several public meetings on the regeneration plans but nothing has been raised," Councillor Mackay said on Thursday.
He emphasised that traffic congestion in the town centre had been the number one issue raised by constituents over the past three years.
Councillor Mackay argued that motorists would take a chance parking on a single yellow line but would not do so with double yellow lines as they could be issued with a fine.
He said there would be provision for vehicles to load and unload in the centre of the town and stressed Blue Badge holders would still be able to park there.
"The double yellow lines will keep the traffic moving," he said. "Wick has more car parks within 10 minutes of the town centre than anywhere else in the Highlands.They are a five-minute walk or less to the centre of town and that is not a lot to ask from the public."
Councillor Mackay denied the initiative is about trying to raise money from parking fees and pointed out the car parks in Wick are free of charge.
"Car park charging has not been brought to the table yet and would not be introduced without consultation," he said. "This is about stopping traffic congestion and enhancing the town centre."
Trudy Morris, chief executive of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said:"Through our work with the Caithness Transport Forum we have long been aware of the issues with congestion and dangerous parking in both Wick and Thurso town centres.
"While it is too early to say what impact this might have on town centre businesses, we are aware that loading and unloading should still be possible, and that Blue Badge holders in Scotland are usually exempt from the restrictions on parking on double yellow lines.
"We are aware that there are ambitious plans to drive growth in Wick town centre and feel that it is important the Highland Council, businesses and residents work together to ensure a cohesive approach to town centre regeneration."
Double yellow lines were put in place in Bridge Street, parts of High Street and Victoria Place this week, replacing single yellow lines in these areas.
The move was implemented following months of debate surrounding traffic congestion in the town centre with vehicles, especially lorries and buses, having problems getting around parked cars.
Related story:
