COMMUNITY representatives in Luss are officially protesting against Argyll and Bute Council's plans to regulate parking in the village.

The convener of Luss Community Council says villagers are not happy at the council's plans to charge £40 per vehicle for a resident's parking permit.

Parking has been one of Luss's biggest headaches for many years as visitors from around the world flock to see one of the country's most picturesque villages.

Ian McEachern says residents would prefer to see the present car park on the edge of the village expanded.

Following the community council's latest monthly meeting, Mr McEachern told the Advertiser: “The council is proposing a restricted parking zone, but there was a public meeting held where the preference of residents was for more parking space, rather than residents having to pay for a permit.

“The existing village car park has about two hundred spaces, but it could be extended.

“The roads are choc-a-block at the moment but to some extent what Argyll and Bute Council is proposing would exacerbate the situation.”

At a meeting in June 2015 the council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee voted in favour of a proposal to introduce permit-only parking in the core village area, supported by a restricted parking zone (RPZ) and a residents' parking permit scheme.

Those proposals for the village also included introducing year-round charges in the council-run car park and introducing pay and display parking on the south side of Pier Road, between Old Luss Road and Church Road, between 8am and 8pm, with parking restricted to one hour.

The committee also agreed to consult police over a possible 20mph zone within the village, “and further parking arrangements therein”.

“One past proposal,” Mr McEachern added, “was to restrict access by closing a gate, but the council says they can't do that on an open road.

“It would cost £40 a year for a permit per car. And some residetns have two cars, which is essential for many people living in the country.

“The council has had the proposals for over a year now. The fact they've come to us and asked for our views suggests it's forthcoming.”

A council spokesperson said: “The Traffic Regulation Order for Luss village is through the first two stages of informal consultation, and will be advertised in the local press ahead of the final statutory consultation stage, at which members of the public can give their views.”