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The landscape of Brodick’s streets underwent a dramatic change this week with the introduction of Arran’s first double yellow lines.
The Arran Banner first reported on the ‘imminent arrival’ of yellow lines in 1985 but it has taken nearly 25 years for the parking restrictions to be introduced in the village.
The general consensus among Brodick residents is that despite not necessarily liking the new restrictions they agree that they were necessary.
Councillor Margie Currie said: ‘I am well aware that there are going to be plenty of negative comments about the yellow lines because it always takes people time to get used to any changes but I have to say what a difference it was to drive through Brodick this morning (Tuesday). It is so much better without the usual congestion in the centre.’
Much of the criticism surrounding the lines has centred around the fact that people will have further to walk to the shops which may be a problem for less able drivers.
‘I will be inconvenienced just the same as every other driver,’ said Councillor Currie. ‘And I agree that it would have been nicer not to have the yellow lines, but they were needed to make the road safer for both drivers and pedestrians.’
Harry Davidson secretary of Brodick Improvements Committee said: ‘We are delighted to have the yellow lines because they were badly needed but myself and Ian Small (chairman of the committee) think the council have gone a little over the top.
‘We requested double yellow lines at the junction with AllDays shop and at Kames Corner but we never expected them to stretch all the way through the village.’
The Improvements Committee is concerned that the car park behind the Co-op Welcome Convenience Store, formerly known as AllDays, will be unable to cope with the increased volume of traffic.
‘The last thing we want is for the council to take away more of the village green to extend the car park,’ said Harry. ‘We fear that we will lose some of this valuable recreation space in the village centre.’
Councillor Margie Currie said: ‘Obviously this situation will be continually monitored and I am sure that the car park at All Days will be more than adequate to cope with the volume of traffic.’
Sergeant Bob MacKay said: ‘On the whole there has been a pretty positive response to the lines. People are realising now how congested it was around the area of the chemist and the Chinese take-away at Kames Corner. Now it is so clear.
‘The policing of any parking on the double yellow lines will be carried out according to current road legislation.
‘There is no difference between the double yellow lines in Brodick and those in Ardrossan.’
A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: ‘No other locations on Arran are presently under review for yellow lines.’
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