LAZY motorists have been causing havoc for farm workers, residents and emergency services at Kilpatrick Hills.

Parking up on the side of a road leading into the nature area, cars have blocked access during sunny days.

Kilpatrick ward councillor Lawrence O'Neill told how he has been bombarded with complaints via email and at his surgery, so took the matter up with West Dunbartonshire Council.

As a result, double yellow lines have been installed and a traffic regulation order (TRO) put in place.

Police have added the route to their regular beat and cars will be fined and uplifted if found parking on the double yellows.

An activist who runs the Kilpatrick Hills Facebook page has been outspoken on the matter.

Douglas Clark, 47, from Mountblow, said: "We're hoping people will now decide to use the car parking area less than 100 yards away. Residents and people working at the farms have gotten angry about the way constantly being blocked by people when there is a car park nearby. Hopefully, the traffic regulation order will deter people from parking there."

The photographer told how Mountain Rescue once had to send a helicopter after emergency services were unable to pass the mass of vehicles.

He said on a warm summer's day more than 30 cars can line the vital road, blocking access for farm vehicles and residents.

Councillor O'Neill, part of the Labour administration, told how people had been "inconsiderate" and said they would face having their car pounded by police.

He said: "As much as we encourage people to use the hills, we encourage them to park properly. There is a new car parking facility at Mount Pleasant Drive in Old Kilpatrick.

"A number of people came to my surgery and emailed me that the situation had been getting ridiculous. A number of working farms can't get their vehicles up there. Emergency services and residents have been experiencing issues due to inconsiderate parking.

"I spoke to our people at the council and managed to get an traffic regulation order and double yellow lines in the area now.

"The Forestry Commission is also looking at putting another car park up there.

He said the police are going to monitor the situation.

Cllr O'Neil ladded: "Police will be looking at it, particularly on weekends and good weather, regularly as part of their beat. If someone is caught parking there they could lose their vehicle and have to pay to recover it, which is somewhere in the region of £150.

"I urge people to use the hills, but please think about where they're going to park."