Parking problems at Patterton Station

Last week, ten motorists were issued with £60 Penalty Charge Notices for failing to park within a marked bay in the overflow car park.

However, residents have argued that as the parking bays are always full from Monday to Friday, it has been the practice for several years for cars to be parked around the inner perimeter and grass verges within the car park where they do not cause an obstruction or impede other car park users.

One resident said: “I am retired and elderly and cannot access the rail network by foot and there is not a bus service to the station. This new policy from ERC has effectively removed any opportunity to use the train to go to town and will force me onto the road.

“I sincerely hope that the above are the actions of a misguided parking attendant as it surely cannot be the intention of ERC to force residents on to the roads or to discriminate against the elderly.”

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “The large overflow car park at Patterton train station has 129 spaces to allow residents the opportunity to park and ride, as part of our drive to encourage active travel across the area.

“When using any of our car parks we urge people to read the signage to ensure they are complying with the regulations in place. Signs are clearly displayed within this car park advising drivers only to park in marked bays or risk receiving a penalty charge notice.

“Residents choosing to park in areas not marked as spaces could potentially cause obstructions. Several additional spaces are available on the grasscrete strip at the far side of the car park, which are currently underused. In recognition of the increased use of this car park the Council is currently investigating the possibility of improving the lining of these spaces as well as considering adjusting the layout of the car park. ”