Edinburgh locals visiting Portobello Beach during the recent heatwave have been told to avoid bringing their car unless absolutely necessary, as dozens of 'dumped' vehicles have led to parking 'chaos'.
With temperatures reaching 30C over the past two days, one of the busiest beaches in Edinburgh has naturally attracted hundreds of visitors. Unfortunately, with parking in high demand and only two small car parks on offer at the promenade, a situation has arisen that has promoted local campaigners and councillors to take action.
As well as Edinburgh Council sending more resources down to Portobello to deal with the parking situation, a spokesperson for Spokes Porty has tweeted warning motorists against bringing their vehicle to the area, saying that it is "being overrun by illegally parked vehicles."
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On Tuesday, July 19, when the UK recorded the warmest day ever, they said: "Are you visiting Porty today? Please don’t come by car unless you have to, and don’t try and park beside Prom. We are overrun by illegally parked vehicles. This is causing danger to life. Traffic warden is doing rounds on his scooter. Be considerate to residents/other visitors.
"Big shout out to everyone who is visiting Porty beach today walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting or by bus. The more people that leave their cars at home, the easier it will be for those that have to drive (blue badges etc). Thanks all!"
Kate Campbell, SNP councillor for Portobello and Craigmillar, also took to Twitter to complain about the issue, particularly on Monday, July 18, which marked the start of the amber weather warning for 'extreme heat'.
She said: "After appalling and dangerous parking in Portobello yesterday I've written to Transport Convener @CllrScottArthur to ask for support in getting more enforcement. We know people come to the beach in hot weather, and we know we don't have the infrastructure to cope. We need action."
Attached was a detailed letter saying that recently, motorists parked on double yellow lines, blocking pavements and forcing people onto busy roads means that the issue needs urgent attention.
Pictures taken from both the main car parks at the beach show multiple parkers who have abandoned their vehicles on the crass or kerb, although the area seems to have died down compared to earlier in the day and Monday.
Speaking on the issue, Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “There is no doubt the sunny weather we’ve seen this week leads to lots of people flocking to our parks, and beauty spots like the Pentland Hills and Portobello. It’s great that so many people want to enjoy all that’s on offer, but the influx of visitors can, of course, put pressure on areas like this.
“I want to minimize disruption to residents and keep our roads and pavements safe. In Portobello specifically, I have asked the Council to undertake extra visits to deter inconsiderate and dangerous parking. Unfortunately, many of the streets there are unrestricted so the Council can’t carry out enforcement, but I would urge people to report any irresponsible driving to the police. The case for the much-awaited pavement parking ban has never been stronger.
“This weather, and the boost in people out enjoying the sun, can put an extra strain on our services which are delivered within limited resources, and we also must rely on the public to take responsibility by disposing of litter at the next available bin, taking care with BBQs and, of course, parking and driving safely – or ideally consider taking the bus, walking or cycling to the park or beach if possible. That way we can all enjoy our summer together.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the waste, parks and traffic teams for all the work they are doing to keep us safe throughout the heatwave. Their job is difficult all year round, but this heat makes it far more difficult. In the coming months I hope to consider carefully any mismatch between the resources available to these teams, and public expectations of service delivery. This must, however, be done within the anticipated Scottish Government cut to Edinburgh’s budget.”
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