Mull and Iona islanders challenge Argyll and Bute Council car parking charges

Govan Law Centre (GLC) are supporting residents of Mull and Iona in their quest to stop the introduction of car parking charges on Mull as part of a blanket introduction of charges across the Argyll and Bute Council area. 

Mull and Iona Community Councils say the charges will have a serious impact on the islands already fragile economies. The campaign is building momentum. It is being led by Mull and Iona Community Councils who now have the support of local councillors, and local MSPs and MPs.

Parking charges are due to be introduced right across Argyll and Bute this year by the local council. The two island communities have not been properly consulted and the council has not considered their objections.   

Govan Law Centre has started a legal process by writing to the council to outline the key objections that community councils have raised and asking them to consider the unique aspects of Scottish island life. Car parking charges at harbours on Mull would have a detrimental impact on lifeline ferry services for both locals and tourists and the introduction of charges would have an adverse socio-economic impact on residents and local businesses. 

The communities are asking the council to abandon the current draft Mull Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and discuss these issues in partnership with them and other local stakeholders.

GLC’s Solicitor Advocate Mike Dailly said: “When councils consider introducing traffic regulation orders it’s vital they consult communities when their proposals are genuinely tentative. Consultation needs to be open, formative and not a fait accompli. The islanders of Mull and Iona have real concerns about the detrimental impact of these proposed parking charges. We hope that we don’t need to pursue an appeal in the Court of Session and that the two sides can sit down together and agree a way forward”.

Argyll and Bute Council’s legal services manager has today (29 July 2019) written to GLC to confirm that the council is looking into the various points raised in GLC’s letter and will revert as soon as the council is in a position to do so.

Copy of the draft TRO:  https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/draft_order_fionnphort.pdf

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