A NORTH Berwick resident has spoken out about traffic jam "chaos" that occurred on a thoroughfare on Sunday afternoon, amid concerns that East Lothian Council proposals could make the situation worse. 

Pictures shared with the Courier shows cars and a bus backed up on St Baldreds Road, with drivers exiting their cars to attempt to make the traffic start flowing again. 

Proposals announced by the council last month include the introduction of controlled parking zones, £40 annual parking permits for residents in affected areas, time restrictions and charges for parking on some streets and in some car parks.

READ MORE: North Berwick parking charges 'blatant money-making scheme'

The video was taken at 12.30pm on Sunday by Scott Masterton, resident of the street, who is worried that the council's new proposals would make the situation worse or cause events like this to happen more frequently. 

Mr Masterton, 59, has lived on the street for all his life and spoke to the Courier extensively about his concerns. 

He said: "I do believe there was a rugby tournament on at the Recreation Park which meant there was a lot of traffic.

"Trying to find parking in North Berwick is hard.

"A lot of the people attended had to park in the streets close by like St Baldreds Road and Lochbridge Road, which normally happens on occasions like this. 

"Obviously, that is fine on the odd occasion but it caused a bit of chaos at the time.

"If that is a one-off it is not so bad, but the parking proposals from the council are that St Baldreds Road would be the first free-parking street in North Berwick, outwith the parking zones that have been proposed. 

READ MORE: Revised parking charge proposals revealed for North Berwick

"I do believe that this could become a daily occurrence because what inevitably will happen is that people without a permit will end up parking on St Baldreds Road and other streets out of the parking zones." 

The Courier contacted North Berwick Community Council and East Lothian Council for comment. 

Kenny Miller, chair of the community council, said: "The scheme will drive traffic out of the town centre and into streets like St Baldreds Road to avoid the restricted length people can park free of charge.

"The community council are planning a public meeting on September 20 for residents to have their say on this."

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The council has been engaging extensively on parking improvements in North Berwick for considerable time, taking information and different factors into account. 

"The proposals which have been presented aim to increase the turnover of parking spaces to make it easier for people to park and access town centre businesses and amenities during busy periods, as well as enhancing the overall environment and making the town centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”