ONE of Cowdenbeath's most cluttered parking areas is two have a two hour waiting order placed on it.

For many years Natal Place has seen motorists, at best, parking their vehicles in this residential street off the town's High Street and in many cases, simply abandon their cars etc in there.

Residents have complained for years about the situation and Cowdenbeath's three councillors have complained that something needed to be done to stop the situation getting worse.

Wednesday's meeting of Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard that following examination of the problems that exist in and around Natal Place, No Waiting restrictions were being recommended.

Traffic Management officer, Phil Clarke, reported that following a consultation exercise in November a majority of residents had voted in favour of a parking scheme and councillors were in favour of the proposals.

He said that the proposal was for a two hour limited waiting ruling being introduced in Natal Place, with residents being allocated with permits which made them exempt from the ruling plus No Waiting At Any Time restrictions around various junctions in the vicinity of the street.

Mr Clarke added: "Natal Place is adjacent to Fife Council's Brunton House office complex and the car park there fills quickly and consequently some patrons who cannot find a parking space then choose to park on the adjacent residential street.

"On-street parking in Natal Place is currently on a 'first come first served' basis and residents recommended a scheme to improve their own parking opportunities around their homes.

"Concerns have also been raised about cars parking on nearby junctions making access into Natal Place and the Brunton House car park difficult and Police Scotland regularly place cones around the junction there to facilitate their access."

Mr Clarke said that the proposal was to introduce a two hour waiting restriction (Monday to Friday) to the on-street parking areas on Natal Place with residents being offered free of charge parking permits exempting them from the restrictions.

Also 'No Waiting at Anytime' restrictions are proposed around the junction in to Natal Place and the Brunton house car park accesses as well as well as the end of the unadopted cul-de-sac.

Lochs councillor, Ann Bain, felt that the proposal was a much needed one but she was concerned how the restrictions would be policed.

She added: "The lack of parking wardens these days means that not too many people who defy the restrictions will get caught.

"Is their any guarantee that this will be properly policed."

Her Lochs colleague, Alex Campbell, added: "Given the problems the residents have experienced over the years I can understand how they are going with this recommendation."

Mr Clarke said that as regards 'policing' the new restrictions when in place the early weeks of these would see regular visits from the wardens and the issue of plenty of parking tickets would have its own effect on illegal parkers.

The committee agreed that in the interests of road safety and better management of the road network they would agree the proposal.