Parking management measures to be discussed by elected members

The proposals involve increasing parking enforcement capabilities, improving access to local facilities and safety, while benefiting health and wellbeing and helping to address climate change.

Town centre parking management proposals were developed for Dunbar, Haddington, Musselburgh and Tranent following widespread engagement with communities. Changes have been made to the initial proposals for each town in response to this consultation. A scheme for North Berwick was approved in December 2024.

You can view a summary of the proposals for each town to be considered at Tuesday's meeting at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/town-parking.

Councillors will hear that the proposals will contribute positively to communities in four key areas:

1. Increasing investment and enforcement

Reports outline that income from on-street parking will be used to fund infrastructure improvements while off-street parking revenue can reduce council budget shortfalls in essential service areas.

Local communities have indicated greater enforcement of traffic regulations is required, which cannot be covered by Penalty Charge Notices income alone. Revenue raised from parking charges will help to increase enforcement capabilities.

More broadly, over £9 million is required each year to maintain the condition of existing roads and footways in the county against an annual budget of just over £5 million. By comparison, coastal car parking charges have raised over £3 million since their introduction.

Income from town centre parking charges is expected to generate a net return investment of £15 million over 10 years, helping to maintain vital infrastructure in East Lothian.

Increased enforcement through parking management will also enable us to implement and realise the benefits of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, which makes pavement parking illegal in Scotland.

2. Improving town centre access and residential parking

Proposals aim to improve turnover of town centre spaces with a mix of short, medium and long-term parking options. This addresses issues raised within local consultations relating to difficulties accessing town centre facilities while resident permits will support those who reported difficulties finding a space near their homes, often due to commuter parking.

3. Improving safety

Increases in enforcement capabilities can be deployed across communities, including areas where congestion and poor parking behaviours have led to safety concerns such as outside schools.

4. Tackling climate change, wellbeing and health

Walking Scotland notes that active travel can help solve some of Scotland’s biggest challenges including air quality, inactivity and climate change. By using parking income to invest in active travel measures, the proposals also aim to support the authority’s commitment to tackle the climate emergency.

Next steps

If the respective schemes are approved by councillors, officers will progress to the next steps towards implementation. This includes publication and formal statutory consultation on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and seeking associated planning permission if required, with a likely roll out in 2026. An annual review would be carried out to scrutinise the impact of any parking management scheme.

Background

• The proposals have been developed to meet the objectives of East Lothian Council’s approved 2018 Local Transport Strategy and Parking Management Strategy: providing appropriate parking facilities that support the economic, environmental and accessibility requirements of towns in East Lothian, and maximising the efficient use of parking provision 
• At a council meeting in 2022, it was agreed that consultation would take place to consider and develop options around possible parking measures in town centres. A town-by-town approach was adopted to reflect local requirements in each area based on evidence
• Initial engagement took place in North Berwick. At East Lothian Council December 2024 meeting, following significant engagement with the community, elected members approved plans for controlled parking zones, permits for residents, time restrictions and charges for parking on some streets and car parks in North Berwick. These measures are expected to be introduced in the coming months
• Separate consultations were held for Dunbar, Haddington, Tranent and Musselburgh to develop the proposals which will be discussed at Tuesday’s full council meeting

Full papers for the meeting - which will be held in Haddington Town House on 9 December with a 10am start - can be viewed online.

The meeting will be available to watch online via the council's webcast facility.