Plans to introduce parking charges at a shopping centre on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond could have “significant negative repercussions for the surrounding area”, the area’s community council has said.
Earlier this month, bosses at Loch Lomond Shores submitted a planning application for changes to its car parks in order to facilitate the introduction of car parking charges next year.
From early Spring 2025, Loch Lomond Shores plans to foist parking charges on motorists shopping there, blaming the move on increased costs after the Covid pandemic and ‘a need to continue funding maintenance and improvements’ at the visitor attraction.
The charges set to be introduced there range from 50p for half an hour to £4 for a full day. The proposed charges would be as follows: 50p for up to 30 mins; £1 for up to 2 hours; £2 for up to 4 hours; and £4 for all day.
This week, Balloch and Haldane Community Council say that the introduction of charges for parking there could see a negative knock on effect across the community.
A community council spokesperson said: “The proposed introduction of parking charges at Lomond Shores will generate revenue for Lomond Shores. However, this proposal will have significant negative repercussions for the surrounding area, affecting not only Ben Lomond Way, the access route into Lomond Shores, but in particular residents on Old Luss Road, Pier Road, Balloch Road and for local businesses within Lomond Shores.
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“Those requiring access to the picnic area, the Bird of Prey centre/tree zone, the boating facilities and day trippers will also have parking charges imposed on them.”
The community council also says that the imposition of a parking charge could see parking congestion onn surrounding streets which could spark safety fears and they say that it will drive shoppers away from desperate traders there.
The community council spokesperson added: “Implementing parking charges will undoubtedly lead to an overflow of vehicles onto adjacent streets as drivers seek to avoid the fees. This will exacerbate existing parking problems and could result in congestion, making it difficult for residents to access and park near their homes.
“Increased traffic and parking on narrow roads pose a safety hazard, especially for children, pedestrians, and cyclists. It should be considered that Old Luss Road is the Loch Lomond Cycle route and the John Muir Way. The added congestion could also hinder emergency vehicle access, which is a critical concern for all residents.
“Many small businesses in Lomond Shores rely on the convenience and accessibility of free parking to attract customers. The introduction of parking fees will discourage visitors and tourists and also potentially leading to a decline in local business revenues, which can have long-term economic consequences.”
Lomond ward independent councillor Jonathan McColl warned that the proposed charges could be “prohibitive” for traders there.
“With more of us doing more shopping online than ever, it’s hard for face-to-face retail to make a profit,” he said.
“The proposed parking charges will inevitably be prohibitive to some, but they do seem reasonably priced compared with other tourist destinations. I understand why they deem them necessary, so I’m not going to criticise them for trying to protect their business and local jobs.
“They’ll have to keep the situation under review as there is a risk this will backfire and reduce visitor numbers too much, negating the potential financial benefit.”
Management at Loch Lomond Shores there said that research shows that 75-per cent of visitors stay for an average of an hour and 45 minutes.
Commenting on the introduction of car park charges, a representative from the proprietors at Loch Lomond Shores said: “It has been a difficult decision to make as we understand that free parking is a popular part of our offering for our visitors. However, after much research, analysis and discussion, their introduction is a necessity to maintain and improve the visitor experience here at Loch Lomond Shores going forward.
“Our site covers 44 acres and has a diverse environment including woodland, beaches, large external pedestrian areas, walkways, playpark and retail buildings – all of which require constant specialist maintenance year-round.
“Our team works hard to maintain all of this but, the cost of maintenance, repairs and improvements has sky-rocketed post-Covid and, if we want to continue being a high-quality visitor attraction, we must find a way to fund all of these going forward.
“So, while this decision has been difficult, it is a way of safeguarding its future and allows us to continue to not only maintain but improve what we offer our visitors.
“All money raised by the introduction of the charges will be reinvested in Loch Lomond Shores, as well as help our businesses, who are also seeing the impact of rising costs.”