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Illegal parking on Tolbooth Street remains an issue despite double yellow lines


By Garry McCartney

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A reader's snap of a busy morning on Tolbooth Street, despite double yellow lines prohibiting parking.
A reader's snap of a busy morning on Tolbooth Street, despite double yellow lines prohibiting parking.

POLICE are still having to address illegal parking on Tolbooth Street, despite it being clearly marked with double yellow lines.

Local Inspector Tony McCullie has addressed the issue himself on occasion, recently moving two vehicles on during a weekday lunchtime, encouraging them to use the free car park metres away at Leys Road.

He said: “My officers continue efforts to educate motorists in the first instance before issuing tickets and - as part of our work to support nearby businesses and keep pedestrians safe.”

Moray became Scotland’s first traffic warden-free zone in 2013 in a cost-cutting austerity measure introduced by Moray Council.

Police Scotland have been responsible for their work since.

The local authority re-lined the popular shopping street two months ago to warn motorists against breaking the law but residents still report the route being regularly aligned by parked cars, vans and lorries, preventing others from passing through and forcing pedestrians off pavements onto the road.

A Tolbooth Street resident who wishes to remain nameless believes the parking situation has improved but issues remain.

She said: “You still get cars ignoring the double yellows and there is no real enforcement.

“But it’s better than the madness of a few months ago when it was a free for all without the lines.”

Moray Councillor George Alexander (Forres, Independent) confirmed parking regulation enforcement is the remit of the police service.

He said: “As one who sometimes stops on Tolbooth Street to make deliveries to the Tolbooth, it is frustrating to find vehicles parked, causing extreme difficulties for delivery vehicle drivers trying to do their work.

“I cannot accept that our police are too busy to make an example of a very few lazy car drivers who can’t be bothered to walk a few extra steps.

“The situation is much improved since the double yellow lines were re-instated but a concerted effort by the police would bring about a change in behaviour and further improvement.”

The ongoing issue was discussed with Insp McCullie at the last meeting of Forres Community Council.

Community councillor Bob Hellyer pointed out that the problem is at its worst while the shops are open.

Member of the public Frank Byrne called for increased patrols and more “educating” of motorists.

Insp McCullie agreed to contact Tolbooth Street shop owners to find out more.

He added: “I would ask anyone with concerns with regards to parking in the town centre to contact police on 101.”





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