Council crack down on parking

Nov 3 2011 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

PARKING bosses have this week cracked down on motorists who are misusing a council-run car park in Hamilton.

On Monday, a sign went on display at the Palace Sports Grounds car park to remind motorists that parking is restricted to customers only.

A parking attendant was also stationed at the entrance, checking that motorists were not parking their vehicles in the free car park.

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture said: “A number of complaints have been made by customers of Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds with regards to a lack of car parking.

“This morning (Monday), staff at the facility stopped all vehicles entering the car park to find out if the drivers were using the facilities.

“A number of vehicles belonged to people working in the town centre.

“They were advised that they could not use the private parking bays provided for leisure customers.

“Vehicles belonging to workers parking all day prevent those using the facilities from using the car park.

“In addition, parents and guardians taking children to the play park cannot get parked in the car park provided for them.

“This parking provision has been made for those using the facilities. Public car parking is available for those requiring long-stay parking at the Palace Grounds car park and Duke Street car park.

“For more information, call the Parking Unit on 01698 453637.”

Many motorists were unhappy at the council’s intervention.

One said: “A lot of people work in the town and the local authority don’t make it easy for you to park without paying.

“There is a £1-a-day car park but in these hard times I just can’t afford to pay that.

“There is no help given to those actually working in the town each day.

“The car park at the sports ground had just three cars parked in it by noon on Monday. It looks like there could be enough room for everyone.”