MSP calls for debate on future of traffic wardens

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has questioned the wisdom of transferring responsibility for traffic warden services in the islands, under proposals being put forward by Police Scotland.

Mr McArthur has written to the Kirkwall and Stromness community councils, seeking their views, while also encouraging all those with an interest in this issue to make their views known through a forthcoming consultation.

He said: “In larger cities, parking fines have often been seen by local councils as a way to raise money while also managing congestion and other local traffic problems.  The same is obviously not the case in Orkney, where a more ‘light touch’ and common-sense approach has traditionally been taken.

“That is why I am concerned about the potential consequences of proposals aimed at shifting responsibility for providing these services away from the police.”

He added: “If such a move was to change the nature of the service provided, and introduce incentives to penalise motorists, so that costs could be recovered, this would be counter-productive and would meet fierce resistance in Orkney.”