Plans for permitted parking outside Hairmyres Hospital look set to be scrapped in the wake of proposed rail improvements.
That’s despite ‘significant’ public support received as part of a consultation period last April.
Restrictions would have been placed on parking in streets surrounding the train station and hospital, but councillors now look poised to reject the proposals.
It is expected they will do so in favour of better park and ride facilities for commuters and visitors attached to plans to move Hairmyres rail station.
In May we told you how nearly 1000 residents took part in a consultation over the proposals.
Findings from that showed almost three-quarters of people were in favour of residents’ parking permit zones (RPPZs).
A report outlining the outcome of the consultations by the council’s executive director for community and enterprise resources said the objections were not enough to base the decision on.
Michael McGlynn wrote: “Proceeding with such a proposal in isolation without taking cognisance of parking demand for commuters and visitors to the hospital would not be a pragmatic approach.
“Many of those in favour of an RPPZ also commented that additional alternative parking would be required.
“Crucially, since this consultation commenced, there have been positive developments with regard to rail improvements along the East Kilbride line.”
Last year the Scottish government announced a £25 million investment into the East Kilbride rail line.
The long-awaited funding will mean improved services, better access to stations and more trains and could even mean the electrification of the line.
However, residents have long complained that commuters using Hairmyres train station were blocking nearby streets.
And added frustration has also been caused as patients and visitors unable to find a space at Hairmyres Hospital have spilled onto nearby streets.
