New parking restrictions have been recommended in Aberdeen’s west end following disputes over spaces between local residents and staff from neighbouring oil company offices.
The city council is aiming to create a new controlled parking area at Hill of Rubislaw with a “priority” system in surrounding streets.
A major consultation exercise was launched earlier this year following repeated complaints from locals that workers from firms such as Conoco Philips and Chevron were taking up street spots.
A questionnaire was issued to about 1,270 addresses, and more than 500 people responded, a rate of about 40%.
Officers had expected that those living in the areas most affected, such as Angusfield Avenue, would support greater parking controls, while those in other streets such as Westholme Avenue would be in opposition.
However, the results showed widespread support for restrictions across the whole area.
Officers will now ask for permission from councillors to draw up a business case for establishing the new street measures.
The proposal is to introduce a “hybrid” system of a controlled parking zone at the centre of the area, with a priority scheme on the periphery.
Priority parking was introduced by Edinburgh City Council in 2011 for the Morningside area to protect residents’ rights while still allowing space for commuters.
Ross Thomson, Conservative ward councillor for Hazlehead, Ashley and Queen’s Cross, said he was “delighted” with the outcome.
He said: “We have taken a massive step forward in tackling the severe parking problems which residents suffer from on a daily basis around the Hill of Rubislaw.
“I am pleased that we have a scheme which will tackle head on the areas blighted by commuter and inconsiderate parking while also ensuring that those residents who are not experiencing the parking problems to the same extent are not unfairly penalised.
“I am grateful to the community for their fantastic consultation response rate and also thankful for their support in trying to get a workable solution to the on-going parking problem. Between now and then I will be engaging with the community to get their thoughts and comments on the proposals before committee meets at the end of this month.”
A report will be presented to the communities, housing and infrastructure committee on October 28.