RESIDENTS of a Saltcoats street have accused North Ayrshire Council of using their decriminalised parking enforcement powers as a "cash grab".

Those living in Auchanshangan Drive aired their frustrations after penalty charge notices were handed out by parking wardens to vehicles parked on the pavement within the estate.

It is understood the street is amongst a number of residential areas where motorists have been handed the £100 fine in recent weeks.

A resident told the Herald: "First of all, along with everyone else living in the street, I know that pavement parking is not allowed and parking officers are well within their rights to hand out these penalty charge notices.

"I think the issue is more in a moral sense - is this really why the council were transferred these powers in the first place?

"The whole idea, when it was first suggested, was about improving access in towns - particularly in busy town centres - what has a private residential area got to do with that?

"We have to pay factor fees for a company to cut grass around the street, the council don't grit the road, and the money from fines won't be reinvested in our street at all, it's a bit of a kick in the teeth that they can march in and fine us for how we park here.

"In reality, it feels like cash grab tactics - heading off the beaten track to somewhere they know they will be able to hand out a few fines and make a few quid."

Pavement parking was first made illegal in Scotland in December last year, alongside parking at dropped kerbs, to improve accessibility for those walking the streets.

Areas were allowed to be designated for exemptions - to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles - with around 2,700 North Ayrshire streets considered before only one was deemed eligible.

(Image: Street View)

The resident claims that this seems inaccurate, with parking space a prominent problem in the Saltcoats street.

They added: "I've lived here for more than two decades, people have always parked on the pavement with issues rarely raised, if at all.

"Even with cars parked like that, I've heard Auchanshangan Drive described as 'like the Wacky Races' more times than I can count - I'm not convinced there will be a whole lot of road left without cars on the pavement.

"Does that fully justify it? Maybe not, but I think streets like these should be allowed some sort of 'self-policing'.

"If there is an issue, let neighbours sort it out amongst themselves. At the end of the day it is only us who live here who are affected, it's hardly a main commuter or walking route - I don't think we need fines to tell us what is right and wrong.

"Are we all going to be forced into forking out for bigger driveways? I think a few fines would work out cheaper in all honesty.

"I've heard more complaints about the parking officers coming along than I have ever heard about the pavement parking itself - I really hope common sense prevails."

Responding to the concerns, North Ayrshire Council said the notices are handed out to discourage illegal parking no matter where it takes place.

A spokesperson said: “Any vehicle which is illegally parked – regardless of whether it is parked in a residential area or town centre - may be subject to a £100 Penalty Charge Notice.

“The new parking regime, which was introduced earlier this year, is expected to produce a number of benefits, including improved parking behaviour in town centres but also to discourage illegal parking wherever it occurs, including residential streets.

“Pavement parking is now illegal in Scotland with local authorities responsible for enforcement and we would encourage all drivers to be mindful of other road users, especially those with mobility issues or visual impairments who can be severely impacted by drivers who continue to park on the pavement.

“We have already carried out a comprehensive review of North Ayrshire roads for areas which may be considered for an exemption from parking restrictions however Auchanshangan Drive does not meet the criteria.”