Tuesday May 6th 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
People are being given the opportunity to comment on proposals to parking management in Dunbar. The proposals being put forward are focused on making it easier for residents and visitors to park as well as encouraging greater turnover of parking spaces to provide better access for all to businesses and services.
A questionnaire is available for those wishing to respond to the consultation, while a drop-in event is also planned for Thursday 22 May.
Engagement has taken place with the community council and area partnership to consider how best to address Dunbar parking challenges. The East Lothian Council says this has identified issues such as:
– Insufficient car parking enforcement across the town
– Low turnover of parking spaces on the High Street and at the swimming pool car park, reducing options for shoppers and visitors
– Parking congestion around the train station, Countess Road and surrounding area
– Lack of designated disabled car parking spaces
– Inadequate car park signage throughout the town
– Limited bicycle parking bays on the High Street
– Residents struggling to park close to their homes
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“We are carrying out a series of consultations with a focus on addressing challenges associated with parking in many of our town centres. The consultation launching today is about Dunbar and runs until 16 June.
“It recognises that demand for parking can be high, particularly during peak periods. That’s why our priority is to work with the local community to explore solutions which increase the availability of parking spaces in the town centre. Doing so can make it easier for people to access local shops and businesses.
“New approaches to parking management can also help to protect and enhance the environment whilst supporting provision for active travel and public transport and enhancing safety.
“While no decisions on these measures have been taken, consulting on possible ways forward will help us address the current problems we face with parking whilst supporting the local economy and enhancing the environment. I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the proposals for Dunbar.”
Based on engagements to date, proposals for Dunbar are based around solutions such as:
– Controlled parking: Designate areas for short, medium, or long-stay parking. Short-stay car parking areas would offer a limited period of FREE parking time. Once this time has elapsed, a charge would be required.
– Resident parking permits: Allowing residents unlimited parking in designated areas with an annual fee
– Healthcare worker permits: Healthcare providers would need to apply to the council to receive permits for their staff
– Enhanced enforcement: to increase the turnover of parking spaces, improve pedestrian safety by reducing illegal parking, and to boost the local economy
The consultation runs for six weeks from 5 May until 16 June. You can complete the questionnaire online HERE; alternatively, hard copies will be available at all East Lothian libraries.
Any hard copies of the questionnaire can be handed in at the libraries or posted to: Dunbar Parking Management Consultation, Asset and Regulatory Manager, Penston House, Macmerry, EH33 1EX.
Responses and comments from the questionnaire will be used as a basis to draft Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), which will be consulted on formally in the Autumn.
If you have any questions regarding the consultation email Dunbarparking@eastlothian.gov.uk
People can also attend a drop-in event to provide feedback:
Venue: Dunbar Town House, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER
Date: Thursday, 22 May
Times: 2pm-4.30pm and 6pm-8.30pm
A consultation looking at proposals to improve parking management in Tranent launched on 22 April and runs until 3 June. Separate consultations for Haddington, Musselburgh and Prestonpans will take place in due course.
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