Parking consultation update
We are holding a series of public consultations seeking views on ways of improving the management of parking in many of East Lothian’s town centres.
There are common challenges in many locations and it can often be very difficult to find a space, particularly during busy periods.
The proposals being put forward are generally focused on making it easier for residents and visitors to park as well as encouraging greater turnover of parking spaces to provide better access for all to businesses and services.
We previously held a consultation focused on North Berwick and, at the December 2024 meeting of East Lothian Council, following significant engagement with the community over a number of years, elected members approved plans for controlled parking zones, permits for residents, time restrictions and charges for parking on some streets and car parks in the town.
In recent weeks, consultations on similar proposals have been launched in Tranent in Dunbar. The latest consultation, looking at Haddington, is being launched today and runs until 30 June.
Engagement has taken place with the community council and area partnership to consider how best to address Haddington parking challenges. This has identified issues such as:
- Lack of parking enforcement and low visibility of attendants
- Poor car park signage
- Need for public access to the John Muir House car park (Neilson Park Road)
- The impact of the free car parking offered by the out-of-town retail park and how the introduction of parking fees may deter visitors and shoppers from visiting Haddington
- A general misuse of parking facilities, for example, drivers abusing free car parking spaces by parking for extended periods and school traffic causing congestion around the areas of Victoria Road, Neilson Park Road and Mill Wynd
- Parking issues at Church Street and Hardgate junction, blocking pedestrian visibility
- Vehicles parking on grass at Haddington Athletic FC 3G pitches (Whittingehame Drive)
Based on engagements to date, proposals for Haddington are based around solutions such as:
- Controlled parking: Designate areas for short, medium, or long-stay parking, with limited free parking time followed by a charge for short-stay parking
- Resident parking permits: Review the existing scheme allowing residents unlimited parking in designated areas but with a likely annual fee
- Enhanced enforcement: Would improve pedestrian safety by reducing illegal parking and ensuring the proper use of disabled parking bays and loading zones throughout the town
- Healthcare worker permits: Healthcare providers would need to apply to the council to receive permits for their staff
- Improved car park signage
Most of the John Muir House car park would remain designated for council employees during the working week, with a section (the part accessed from Neilson Park Road) available for public use.
This is an important opportunity for as many people as possible, including East Lothian Council employees, to have their say on ways of improving the management of parking
A questionnaire is available for those wishing to respond to the consultation. You can also find details of the other consultations via this link.
While no decisions on measures for Haddington have been taken at this stage, consulting on possible ways forward can help us address the current problems, whilst improving access, supporting the local economy and enhancing the environment.
New approaches to parking management can also help to protect and enhance the environment whilst supporting provision for active travel and public transport and enhancing safety in and around town centres.
People can also attend a drop-in event to provide feedback:
Venue: Haddington Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington, EH41 3DS
Date: Thursday, 12 June
Times: 2-4.30pm and 6-8.30pm
Separate consultations for Musselburgh and Prestonpans will take place in due course.
Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure