It was recently confirmed that South Lanarkshire Council has finally woken up to the parking crisis at Hairmyres, train station and there will now be a period of consultation to find a permanent solution to the problem.
The Community and Enterprise Resources Committee heard what we all have known for years - that the station car park is not fit for purpose.
The proposed eight-week consultation period will give everyone the chance to have their say on plans to expand parking facilities in the area for rail commuters.
I have been a long time campaigner for a permanent solution to this issue; last year I held a public meeting, inviting locals along to have their say on this problem.
Over 50 people turned up, each taking it in turn to vent their frustration at the lack of action from selfish commuters who continually turn the local streets near Hairmyres, station into an unofficial park and ride zone.
Many of those present highlighted dangerous parking on street corners and of driveways being blocked. On one occasion, local residents had to erect signs asking motorists to avoid parking in one street to allow a hearse to get through for a funeral.
Not only that, we had an incident last year when security staff at the University Hospital Hairmyres asked people to move their car if they had no business at the hospital. This led to some heated exchanges between hospital staff and commuters.
There will no quick fix. Over the years we have had many suggestions put forward, two in particluar have been mentioned more than once.
The first idea is to tier the existing hospital carpark creating a substantial amount of additional parking spaces. The second is to utilise the land adjacent to the train station on the other side of the existing car park and create a walkway over to the platform.
Whilst these ideas and others are being explored, it is important that we also deal with the issue of commuters blocking residential streets.
Whatever happens, both problems need to be addressed in tandem, to secure a permanent solution to this ongoing situation – which has been dragging on long enough.
Finally, I hope you had a lovely Easter and didn’t overindulge on chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Now the lighter nights are moving in, it is time for me to dust down my bike and get back out exploring the countryside.
I find it’s a great way to unwind and get fit and I would highly recommend it. If you have never tried it, get on your bike and have a go - you never know you might even enjoy it.