White ‘H’ advisory markings update

I previously posted that I intended to contact the chief executive of Dundee City Council to ask if he would review the council’s decision to no longer provide white lines across driveways where there are access problems caused by heavy demand for on street parking. 

Although the lines are only advisory, for the most part they are observed which gives residents easier access and egress as vehicles aren’t parked right up to the edge of driveway crossovers.

The chief executive has sent me the following response after requesting feedback from Neil Gellatly, the council's head of transportation:

‘I understand that 'H' bar markings are a continuous white lines with a short line at either end and are typically placed across an entrance to off street premises or a private drive which should be kept clear of waiting vehicles. Historically these were used by Dundee City Council but since these markings are not legally enforceable their use has been discontinued as police and parking service staff were unable to act when complaints were called in regarding parking on these white lines. Therefore our policy is to no longer install these markings (and this has been in place for approximately four years).

Where parking problems are of a serious and continued problem Neil has reassured me that the use of yellow lines and the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders will be followed through, however where the problem is of short duration, such as the ones your constituents are raising around Grove Academy / Eastern Primary School, then the parking restrictions can be disproportionately intrusive. 

I have asked Neil to give this sort of problem some further thought and his engineers will investigate with other roads / parking authorities across Scotland to identify any innovative solutions.'

Although the provision of white lines isn’t to be reinstated I am pleased that the chief executive has asked the traffic engineers to give the parking issue some further thought. 

If there is an issue with a driveway being blocked then this is obstruction, which is a police matter.