Council introduces parking permits 'without telling residents'

Perth and Kinross Council is introducing residential parking permit systems without having consulted affected residents.

Signs have popped up in car parks across Perth and Kinross saying “resident permit holders only” before the new system has even launched or residents have been notified.

Perth and Kinross Council has apologised for the confusion caused by some signs being installed “earlier than intended” and said it will write to residents soon with full details of the proposals and how to apply for a permit.

PKC said the signs should have been covered until the new system became operational but the new signs in some car parks have been uncovered sparking both anger and confusion.

Residents of Wallace Place in Perth’s Tulloch area were furious to discover a sign had been erected in the Wallace Place Car Park stating it was now for “Resident permit holders only”.

Wallace Place residents say they were neither consulted nor given any warning about the new parking arrangements.

One resident told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The residents have had no letters to say this was going to be happening or when it will be in force.

“If they had consulted with the residents saying the signs were going up, nobody would have removed the covers on them.”

The angry Wallace Place resident told the LDRS there were ten general parking spaces and three disabled spaces, despite there being 25 houses and only one resident now having a Blue Badge.

Wallace Place is just off Crieff Road, which has double yellow lines so there is concern about where the remaining residents and any visitors can park.

The resident was also alarmed by the list of rules on the sign. Under the new system, being parked in the same space for more than 72 hours is not allowed, nor is washing or maintaining a car in the car park.

The LDRS asked PKC what residents were meant to do if they went on holiday and where else they are expected to wash or fix their cars if they cannot do it at home.

PKC has insisted the new system is not yet operational and that permits will be free of charge to households.

A PKC spokesperson said: “There are a number of car parks across Perth and Kinross which are intended primarily for use by tenants and residents in nearby council housing.

“We are introducing a resident parking permit system in these locations, with permits provided free of charge to households, to reduce misuse by non-residents and ensure the spaces are available for those who live there.

“This approach has been developed in response to feedback from tenants and is being taken forward alongside consultation with affected residents.

“We acknowledge that signs were installed at some locations earlier than intended and, while they were initially covered, a small number have been uncovered ahead of the formal communication being issued. This has understandably led to some confusion, and we apologise for that.

“We will be writing to residents shortly with full details of the proposals and how to apply for a permit. Further information will be provided to residents about how visitor access will be managed, and we will take account of local feedback as part of the consultation process.

“All council-operated car parks are subject to a 72-hour maximum stay. This is a standard measure that allows us to address issues such as abandoned vehicles while ensuring spaces are used appropriately. It does not mean that residents cannot leave their vehicle while on holiday or due to illness, and we will always take a proportionate approach to enforcement in these circumstances.

“The restrictions on activities such as vehicle repairs are in place to ensure safety, prevent nuisance, and protect shared residential environments. These car parks are intended for parking only and not for commercial use or ongoing vehicle maintenance.

“If, following consultation, there are significant concerns raised by residents, these will be carefully considered before any permanent arrangements are put in place.”