Parking in village now a free for all

An extension to the station car park is under consideration but might not be the answer, according to a councillor.

Uddingston Community Council heard roadside parking is becoming a “major issue” in the village, particularly in the streets around the station.

Drivers are travelling to Uddingston rather than pay for parking at Hamilton Central and West stations.

Councillor Jim McGuigan, who represents Uddingston and Bothwell on South Lanarkshire Council, told the community council he has asked officials to monitor the situation and use signs to restrict parking times.

Every day lines of parked cars stretch along Glasgow Road from the station entrance. Residents in nearby streets such as Greenrigg are unhappy at vehicles being left all day by rail commuters.

Councillor McGuigan said Scotrail has considered an extension to the station car park in the past, but funding has been an issue. He will raise it again, but is worried that some drivers would rather park on the street.

He said: “I believe there is scope to extend the car park at the bottom end, furthest from the station entrance, but some people who want to make a quick getaway from the station at night aren’t prepared to leave their car there.”

Abellio Scotrail would not be drawn on a possible extension. A spokesman said: “We are currently reviewing the possibility of car parking expansions at several of our stations across the country, and will let our customers know when any plans are finalised.”

Two years ago motorists claimed they were being driven out of the Uddingston car park. Signs were put up warning anyone parking outside marked spaces would be fined.

Previously, when all spaces were full drivers parked on adjacent ground, but officials said this was causing safety concerns.