West Lothian police officers handed handed pictures of culprits amid parking row

West Lothian Police Officers Receive Images of Offenders Amid Parking Dispute

Police officers in West Lothian have been presented with photographs of offenders as part of an ongoing parking row in the area. The issue revolves around drivers blatantly ignoring double yellow lines in Linlithgow, with some even daring to park next to the historic Cross in the heart of the town, despite clear restrictions.

During a recent meeting of the town’s local area committee, officers were shown several images depicting cars and taxis flouting parking regulations around the Burgh Halls. Some vehicles were even seen disregarding police “No Parking” cones. As a result, a councillor has called for increased daily patrols and better education for Police Scotland’s call centres to address the situation effectively.

The mounting concerns come after police had to intervene with bus companies using the town center for parking, disrupting visitors touring Linlithgow Palace. Councillor Tom Conn personally handed over a series of photographs to Sgt Liam Arbuthnot and another officer, highlighting the complaints received from residents living near the Cross.

Sgt Arbuthnot acknowledged the increased presence of local community officers and the issuance of tickets following the complaints. He reassured the community that high-profile patrols will be conducted as part of a Christmas campaign to tackle the parking issues. However, concerns were raised about the lack of response from Police Scotland’s call centers, with some assuming that parking enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of West Lothian Council rather than the police.

Councillor Conn emphasised that the current measures, such as issuing tickets, were not proving to be effective deterrents. He proposed reconsidering the responsibility for parking enforcement, suggesting that Police Scotland should take charge to avoid confusion and ensure enforcement consistency.

Efforts are being made to prevent parking at the monument, with benches from the Burgh Halls being relocated to surround the Cross itself. The councillor highlighted the need for visible policing to deter offenders and stressed the importance of addressing the issue promptly and consistently.

In the absence of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE), the council is limited in its enforcement capabilities, leading to challenges in controlling parking violations. Educating call center staff about the specific parking enforcement protocols in different areas is seen as crucial in improving the response to such issues.

Despite the challenges faced by Police Scotland in handling parking matters, the officers remain committed to addressing the concerns raised by residents and local officials. As the community works towards finding a viable solution to the ongoing parking problems, collaboration and communication between stakeholders will be key to achieving a resolution.

Insights:
The article highlights the frustration faced by residents and local authorities in West Lothian due to ongoing parking issues in the area. The lack of enforcement and the confusion around parking jurisdiction have exacerbated the problem, leading to calls for more proactive measures from Police Scotland. It underscores the importance of effective communication between different agencies involved in managing parking violations to ensure a coordinated approach to enforcement. Ultimately, addressing such issues requires a combination of education, enforcement, and community involvement to create a safe and orderly parking environment for residents and visitors alike.