CAR drivers have been warned that vehicles could be towed away, and their owners prosecuted, over irresponsible and illegal parking in the National Park during the forthcoming school holidays.
Helensburgh and Lomond schools begin their two-week autumn break this weekend, and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority has warned it will take action against badly parked vehicles.
The pledge comes after an ambulance and the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team had difficulty getting access to help a walker in trouble on Ben Lomond last Saturday.
READ MORE: Gareloch whales herding operation continues after failed first attempt
Cars were reported to have been illegally parked on a designated clearway on the eastern shore of the loch, while significant problems with parking on narrow rural roads and in busy car parks were reported across the national park area during the September weekend.
The National Park Authority and Police Scotland are using this incident to warn motorists going on ‘staycation’ trips during the forthcoming school holiday not to park along roadsides even if others are doing it, never to block entrances and exits, even partially, and to check before you go if somewhere is going to be busy and if so, choose a quieter alternative.
Simon Jones, director of conservation and visitor operations at the National Park, said: “These incidents and the many other examples of reckless parking on roadsides and crowded car parks last weekend highlight just how dangerous this behaviour is.
“This has been an ongoing issue in recent years and particularly since lockdown restrictions eased, so as partners we are working on longer term solutions such as further public transport, active travel options or parking capacity where appropriate.”
READ MORE: Talks held over litter and anti-social behaviour in National Park
Irresponsible parking was heavily criticised earlier this year in Arrochar, after drivers left their vehicles along a lengthy stretch of the A83 following the easing of lockdown limits.
However, that problem abated after Argyll and Bute Council re-opened its two car parks at Glen Loin at the head of Loch Long.
Inspector Andy Bushell from Police Scotland said: “We regularly patrol the National Park and any obstructive or dangerous parking will be appropriately dealt with.
“This could include the physical removal of a vehicle, issuing drivers with a fixed penalty notice or even reporting individuals to the procurator fiscal.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here