Complaints of obstruction from residents and emergency services followed and in January 2001 the council approved the introduction of waiting restrictions in various streets to combat indiscriminate parking.

Councillor Stewart believes the reluctance of the council’s planning and transportation depart- ment to consider extending the scheme will disadvantage residents and ensure they continue to suffer “irritation and distress”.

However, Perth and Kinross say waiting restrictions will only move the problem elsewhere.

Mr Stewart said, “Ever since parking charges were introduced at PRI and staff were recommended to take up parking permits at a cost to themselves, my constituents have been under considerable pressure from parked and abandoned cars.

“Over the years, we have managed to introduce limited restrictions, but that has not eradicated the problem. On certain days and at certain times, the congestion in these surrounding streets is an accident waiting to happen.

“Over time, there have been a number of incidents and accidents, but thankfully nobody has been injured so far. I believe the only way forward is for further restrictions to be imposed.”

Mr Stewart said Hamilton Street, in particular, had been causing concern of late and pointed to photographic evidence sent by residents showing that, on an average day, around a dozen cars are parked on one side of this cul-de-sac.

“On occasions, that number increases to in excess of 20 cars, turning this quiet suburban street into a single lane that causes major concern,” he said.

“Residents also, from time to time, have their driveways blocked, which also causes irritation and distress.

“I have no intention on giving up on this issue.”

Perth and Kinross Council has introduced white “H markings” across some of the worst affected driveways in Hamilton Place, to indicate to drivers areas where they should not park. A scheme is being prepared in conjunction with Councillor Stewart with a view to introducing more of these markings at other driveways in the street.

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said, “Since the introduction of parking charges at PRI there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles parking in the streets around the hospital.

“In response to demands by residents, the council introduced waiting restrictions in some streets, although there were fears this would merely move the problem to other streets on the edge of the area.

“These fears were well founded and the problems being experienced by the residents of Hamilton Place have undoubtedly been made worse by the introduction of the waiting restrictions in other nearby streets.

“It is as a result of this re-location effect that the council is reluctant to promote further Traffic Regulation Orders to introduce additional waiting restrictions in the area.”