Parking ban at East Lothian primary school 'not enforceable' after parent complaints

Double yellow lines put down in a car park next to East Lothian’s biggest primary school three years ago have never been enforceable by law, it has been revealed.

The restrictions at Hallhill car park were painted by the local authority – but were not included in any Traffic Regulation Order banning drivers from parking in the area.

Earlier this week there was anger as parents accused the council of targeting them after parking attendants issued fines at the car park as they dropped children off for a camping trip.

Within hours the council had cancelled seven tickets issued on the day after admitting they were not lawful.

Now it has been revealed the yellow lines in the car park have never been enforceable and a further seven tickets, issued in the last three years, are also expected to be cancelled.

The car park, on Kellie Road, belongs to Hallhill Ltd which operates the adjacent sports centre and includes council leader Norman Hampshire as one of its directors.

A council spokesperson said talks were held with the land owners before installing the yellow lines which are along one side of the site and include a bus stopping area. It is understood they were put in place in 2021 as part of the council’s Safer Places projects to create more space in the wake of Covid.

The council spokesperson said: “Seven penalty charge notices that were issued on Monday on a section of the car park next to Kellie Road have been cancelled.

“They were were issued to drivers parked on double yellow lines near to Dunbar Primary School. These road safety measures were introduced through consultation with Hallhill Ltd, who are responsible for this car park.

“However, it has emerged that this section of road within the car park does not have a Traffic Regulation Order in place and the notices are not enforceable. We apologise to the drivers concerned for this confusion.

“It remains the case that high volumes of traffic around schools pose an increased safety risk to children and parents which is why these measures are necessary.

“East Lothian Council will be liaising with Hallhill Ltd who are responsible for this car park and support them to addressing road safety at this location.”