Balmaha parking charges support
Charging for parking in Balmaha and its surrounding communities may be part of the solution to traffic woes in the area says a local councillor.
Local independent councillor Rob Davies said proposals for charging for car parking in Balmaha were a welcome development.
However, he appreciated some people would be unhappy about it.
“The reality is that east Loch Lomond, and indeed a number of spots in the Forth and Endrick ward, are facing significant parking pressures,”said Councillor Davies. “Instituting charging where space is limited is one sensible way of tackling the problem, especially if local residents are offered concessions.
“In the longer term it would be fantastic to see a pro-active approach from the Scottish Government to help develop tourism in rural Scotland in a way that respects the environment and local residents.
“Indeed, there is no better example of that than the West Highland Way, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and probably attracts over 100,000 walkers annually to Balmaha. Helping walkers rather cars must be the way forward.”
Traffic issues in Balmaha and its surrounding areas are currently under the spotlight, with charging motorists just one option under consideration.
Proposals for parking management in Balmaha were unveiled at a public engagement event in the village on Wednesday in Buchanan Memorial Hall, Milton of Buchanan.
Balmaha is a popular tourist destination and an influx of vehicles to the area during holiday periods has regularly caused problems for visitors and local residents.
Stirling Council is proposing to bring in charges for the car park alongside improvements and provision of additional parking spaces for caravans and camper vans.
The council, which is working with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority on the plans, has said it wants to find a balance between encouraging people to Stirling’s villages without parking issues causing problems for both visitors and residents.
Balmaha businessman Sandy Fraser has also offered land for a 70-space temporary car park and Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs have said there is an urgent need to address a growing parking problem in the community following the loss of over 300 spaces on East Loch Lomondside in the last 15 years and the introduction of clearways and police no parking signs.
The parking management proposals need a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). The details of theTRO will be published later this month and can be read and commented on via the Stirling Council website or through TellMeScotland, the portal for accessing public information notices issued by local authorities across Scotland.