Drivers in Saltcoats are informed that the new parking restrictions in the town’s Dockhead Street come into force next week.

To improve pedestrian safety, a temporary traffic order is being introduced which will restrict access to all vehicles between 9.30am and 4.30pm, seven days a week.

The new arrangement will come into effect on Monday, August 19 for an initial 18-month period.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “We have introduced these measures in response to an increasing concern for the safety of pedestrians on Dockhead Street.

“Initially, it will be for a period of 18 months after which we will review the changes and determine their effectiveness before deciding if the temporary traffic order should be made permanent.

“This is a move which I’m sure will be welcomed by those who use Dockhead Street and hopefully result in a safer area for pedestrians.”

The previous restrictions for Dockhead Street pedestrian zone allowed access for Blue Badge holders at all times and loading by goods vehicles from 4.30pm-10.30am.

However, in recent years there has been an incremental increase in the volume of traffic entering Dockhead Street and, as a consequence, there has also been a rise in the number of complaints about the volume of traffic and parking.

Following community engagement, it was agreed that there should be no vehicle access between 9.30am and 4.30pm every day.

A number of additional parking bays have also been created in Chapelwell Street car park for Blue Badge holders to allow nearby parking.

Officers from the council’s Roads Service and Police Scotland will be present to assist the public and enforce these restrictions before and after the implementation of the traffic order on August 19.