New double yellow lines have been called for in Arrochar, as fears mount over problems caused by increased visitors in the village.
Last year parked cars often lined the busy A83 trunk road beside Loch Long, on one occasion causing an accident involving a fire engine .
And with high numbers of visitors again expected this year, there have been calls for new restrictions.
Cllr Iain ‘Shonny’ Paterson said displacement parking was having ‘a huge impact’ on communities in Arrochar and Tarbet.
Public car parks are often full – despite charges of £10.80 for staying longer than an hour imposed by Argyll and Bute Council.
“We are having council-supplied no parking signs erected in Succoth,” he said.
“I also raised the issue of double yellow lines from the Loch Long hotel running round to Glen Loin car park with Transport Scotland – this one caused extreme problems for many in the community especially people with prams, wheelchair users and walkers.
“I am pleased to report they have now been put in place.
“I think that we will see even more people coming to our area this year,and the associated problems that will arise – hopefully the mitigation measures carried out, and to be carried out, will help to alleviate that.”
The issue was raised earlier this month at a meeting of Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group, when Neil MacFarlane of Transport Scotland said he was keen to work with the community in Arrochar around issues with parking.
Mr MacFarlane told the meeting that normally it would take up to 18 months for a traffic regulation order to take effect, but an emergency traffic order could be put in place within 21 days where required.
Argyll and Bute Council took this ’emergency’ measure in Luss last year, bringing in double yellow lines and permits for residents and businesses with the support of the community council.
Cllr Paterson also said Arrochar ‘desperately needed’ public toilets, and he would push for these to be built if the council or Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park bought the car parks, which are currently on sale, with offers over £150,000 invited.
The parking situation was a disgrace last year, and will be again. So very happy this has been actioned. Another problem is speeding, along and around the loch side road..Toilets are an absolute priority, it’s disgusting what visitors are doing!