Monday March 9th 2026
Protestors outside Haddington town hall on Friday
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Councillors who backed plans to introduce parking charges in an East Lothian town have been told they have to “share responsibility” for vandalism attacks on the new meters.
At least 30 of the 40 parking meters installed in North Berwick have suffered damage before they have even been brought into operation with glue and other substances poured on them.
East Lothian council leader Norman Hampshire has said the cost of repairs is £38,000 which he said would have to be taken out of other public service funding.
However in a letter to Mr Hampshire Gullane Area Community Council (GACC)has said elected members have to take some of the blame for the attacks.
The community council said while it does not condone the vandalism it is clear the public are angry.
Writing to Mr Hampshire to inform him the community council had unanimously upheld a vote of no confidence in him and fellow elected members who back the parking charges plan “despite clear and repeated opposition from residents and businesses they represent”, the community council said there was no clear evidence parking will be improved by the measures.
And they said: “We condemn the vandalism that has taken place in North Berwick however it does show the strength of feeling throughout the county.
“The councillors who voted this through must take their share of responsibility for creating the level of anger that has led to this damage.”
East Lothian Council had been due to start charging people for parking in North Berwick this month but have pushed the date back until next month.
The town is the first of five in the county which will have charges introduced after councillors approved schemes for Haddington, Dunbar, Tranent and Musselburgh at a meeting late last year.
That meeting was disrupted by angry protesters outside who waved banners and noisily urged councillors to reject the plans as they entered the council chambers.
Concern over the impact of the charges on town centres has sparked protests and petitions with a current campaign calling for a ‘pause’ to the schemes signed by nearly 4,000 people.
GACC is the third community council to uphold a vote of confidence in the councillors who backed the new charges with Pencaitland and West Barns already registering their views.
In the letter to Mr Hampshire on behalf of GACC, the community council said: “We live in a time where confidence in government is at an all time low whether it is Westminster, Holyrood or council level.
“The purpose of these parking measures is to improve town centres, not to raise revenue. Revenue raising through charging for parking is prohibited by statute, Many in East Lothian Council have been clear these measures are to raise revenue.
“It if felt there is no clear evidence that parking will be improved thereby helping businesses. On the contrary, businesses are very concerned these measures will destroy local town centres.”
They added: “The fact they have been introduced elsewhere is irrelevant.”
Watch a video of Friday’s protest below.
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