COUNCIL chiefs are set to implement new pavement parking regulations in Argyll and Bute towards the end of the year, an official has said.

But local authority staff are examining possible exemptions in the area, with one possibility raised by a former councillor.

Jean Moffat, from Bute Community Council, raised the issue of part of East Princes Street in Rothesay and the implications of a possible ban on pavement parking.

The discussion took place at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Bute and Cowal area committee on Tuesday, September 3.

Ms Moffat, who was an independent councillor in the Isle of Bute ward from 2017 to 2022, said: “This island, and Rothesay particularly, is very short of parking spaces.

“I know we are supposed to be walking and cycling, but the demographics of Bute and Rothesay are such that it is difficult for lots of people to get on their bike.

“I believe that Argyll and Bute Council have enforced the Scottish law, and there will be no pavement parking if that is not already the case.

“We have a serious problem with East Princes Street, from Albert Pier for about 300 to 400 metres, with vehicles parking on the pavement on the sea side of the road.

“If and when that stops and is banned, there is going to be a very serious problem indeed.

“I know that years ago, I put a point to the council that they might consider making that pavement regular size, which would allow parking on both sides of the road but retain two-way traffic.

“If pavement parking is taken away and the pavement is not reduced, I do not know what will happen. It will certainly impact on businesses that operate on East Princes Street.

“I cannot see any way it will be beneficial to take that parking away. I in no way want parking on normal pavements, but this is a different situation in that it is the second largest conservation area in Scotland.

“We do not have any large car parks, so I am hoping the council will consider doing something about that parking ban, either lifting it for one area or reduce the size of the pavement so parking can be done on the road.”

Mark Calder, the council’s project manager for roads and infrastructure services, said: “We are currently working towards a day around the end of the year to enforce the new regulations.

“As part of that process, between now and then, we will be looking at the issues like the ones Ms Moffat has brought up where exemptions should apply.

“It is something we are working through and something we will discuss this afternoon (at a business day for councillors).

“We are recruiting for two additional wardens to support the additional enforcement.”