Park smart! Renewed drive to stop motorists hogging High Street in Hawick
Last updated 4th Dec 2025
There's a renewed drive to stop motorists hogging car parking spaces in Hawick High Street all day.
It comes amid concerns the lack of available slots is forcing some shoppers to bypass the town centre in the run-up to Christmas.
Tommy Mulvee, who runs the North Port store, is behind the Park Smart! campaign, which sees leaflets highlighting the 30-minute limit placed on car windscreens when they arrive in the morning.
And, he warns, failing to take notice could lead to more businesses shutting up shop.
"Over the years, the customers that are coming in to me have been complaining that they cannot get parked on the High Street, the reason being is that cars are sitting here for most of the day," Mr Mulvee told Greatest Hits Radio.
"The traffic creates shop footfall, so we're educating the drivers, most of whom just want to drop things off, pick things up and then move on."
But he added: "There's a car already sitting there for half a day, and it will probably be there until five o' clock tonight."
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With an extra quarter of a million visitors expected if Center Parcs plans for a new holiday village just off the A7 three miles north of Hawick are approved on Monday, many traders are supportive of the initiative.
And they are keen to point out that free alternative parking is available throughout the town.
Mike Webber, a director at Hendersons Travel, is among those welcoming the initiative - but believes the time limit is too short and should be extended.
"Some people park all day, or even overnight and the next day as well so that's not on," he told us.
"But I do think half an hour is not long enough; customers are unlikely to have completed their business with us within 30 minutes, so I'd propose an hour. But the principle is correct.
"Another business that would prefer longer would probably be cafes and restaurants. Half an hour isn't long enough for most people going in for a coffee and a chat."
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